NIRVANA

During my training at the International Coaching Institute ICI with Dr. Krishna Athal, I learned the traits of a good coach. I believe that a good coach listens actively, empowers, motivates and evokes transformation in the person he or she coaches. In this article, I describe what I believe makes a good coach.

1. A Good Listener

A good coach is a good listener. By listening to what is being said and not being said, the coach listens to the coachee’s life values, aspirations, blockages or the voice of the ‘Saboteur ‘, which is the negative voice in our head. The coach listens to what is said below the surface level. Moreover, the coach is able to decipher the energy of the room and the body language of the coachee which may demonstrate sadness, anger or excitement. This is known as Level 3 listening which includes everything a person can observe with his or her senses.

2. Someone Who Asks Very Hitting Questions

A good coach is someone who asks very hitting questions. Through Dr. Krishna Athal, I witnessed the power of questions and I still remember the very first question he asked me. These hitting or powerful questions invoke insight and bring clarity to the coachee. Additionally, powerful questions promotes personal growth and empowerment. They also drive deep and meaningful conversations while enhancing self-discovery. Powerful and hitting questions can be the key to personal transformation.

3. Empowers a Coachee to Find One’s Own Answers

By asking powerful questions, the coach empowers the coachee to find one’s own answers. In doing so, the coachee feels more empowered and confident as he or she is able to come with up with one’s own answers. This enhances the coachee’s self-esteem and promotes personal development and growth. The coachee also develops effective problem solving skills by tapping in one’s own resources and inner wisdom. When the coachee feels empowered, he or she is more prone to drive action and also promotes accountability for achieving one’s goals.

4. Possesses High Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

A coach who has a high emotional intelligence has the ability to recognise, understand, and manage his or her own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. An empathetic coach will understand the feelings and perspective of his client and will be able to pick up on emotional cues. In doing so, the coach enhances trust in the coaching relationship as well. The coach is also self aware of his or her own emotions and can manage them through self-reflection and mindfulness techniques. Furthermore, the coach can evoke self-awareness in his or her coachees and enhance their emotional intelligence.

5. Someone Who Motivates and Inspires People

A good coach motivates his or her coachees to reach their highest potential by highlighting their strengths and turning them into opportunities for growth. The coach adopts a positive mindset and help the coachee to develop a positive mindset as well. On the other hand, the coachee sees the coach as his or her inspiration and as someone who believes in their potential. Moreover, the coach holds the coachee accountable and continues to push the coachee to reach their goals.

6. Evokes Transformation

A coach who evokes transformation, guides individuals through profound, lasting change by addressing the root causes of their situation and empowering them to take charge and adopt necessary changes or shifts to achieve sustainable growth. The coach demonstrates a holistic approach, taking into consideration the client’s unique life values and life purpose leading to a more fulfilling, balanced and purposeful life.

7. Someone Who Keeps Upgrading His or Her Coaching Skills

I believe that a coach should continuously upgrade his or her skills in coaching through constant learning and reading. With a world which keeps on evolving rapidly, upskilling helps us to keep on track and enables us to deliver quality coaching. Anything that is learned is not lost but enhances our experience and skills towards coaching. Upskilling also helps in personal growth and empowers the coach to deliver transformational coaching.

My Conclusion

Reflecting from my training with Dr. Krishna Athal, I believe that a good coach is someone who is a good listener, asks hitting and powerful questions, empowers people to find their own answers, possesses high emotional intelligence EQ, motivates and inspires people, evokes transformation and keeps upgrading his or her coaching skills.

As a life coach, I thrive to improve myself continuously with regards to these coaching skills and traits. I have witnessed the power of coaching through coaching women entrepreneurs. My most satisfying moments were when these women could come up with their own answers and became empowered to take their own decisions hence, leading them to a fulfilling life with purpose.

Have you ever been coached before? Are you curious to know what coaching can do to your life?

Yashna Veera, Life Coach and Yoga & Meditation Practitioner

NIRVANA