I finally seem to have found the two peer clients I was missing. Both are women, and both seem to want to develop their business. Actually, all three of my peer clients are women (including Mary, whom I had from a bit before).
I am noticing “S” a bit on the down side after her 4th session. I think I have to bring up the subject of the initial euphoria and the subsequent “letdown”. I did not do it at the beginning because she seemed really gung-ho, ready to go, waiting a week was too much for her, etc. and I did not go through my usual talk about what to expect, highs-lows, the saboteur, session intake, etc. I think the fact that she is a therapist also had something to do with my not doing it. As if I did not want to go into “trivial” details. I will do it next session.
What I am doing now much more is the Value search, and not by asking what values they have, but by indirect questioning (Three people you admire; three reasons, or characteristics you admire in them, the 5 box Real Goal Exercise, etc.) that really help me get an idea of who they are, and what they actually believe in. What they like and enjoy. I think it also helps them progress in that direction. The idea that any movement, in any direction, will need to be based on their values, is a really solid foundation and it seems to really ring true with them.
It also helps me to see if I can/should push more here or there….
So, with all this, what I see is that I need to stick by my “model” or procedure, or at least if I move away from it, that it be for a good reason… and I can’t really think of a good one right now, actually.
Action Steps:
- Write down, if I don’t have it, these initial steps (value identification, what they really like to do, real goals, etc. — also Process (highs, lows) and the Saboteur) and have them handy when I am coaching.
- Write the quote on stepping back, and about going into an empty space and about letting intution work, and listening in Level III, and have THAT handy.
- Really keep the list of coaching skills and competencies handy and see, after the session, which I have used.
