Last week, a coaching client barged into the room at the beginning of our session and, with a very brief hello, went straight to the point, listing a bunch of things he needed to discuss today. The high alert and urgency palpable. Two minutes into his fast-paced monologue, he stopped himself: “Sorry, I have been super curt, almost harsh with people all week because everything feels so tight leading up to the big event.”
And as much as I appreciate the self-awareness and him not wanting to be like that with me, this coaching space is the one space as a leader where you can, where you do not have to watch your words and tone. I am here to give you the space to land exactly as you are in that moment. Even in the context of authentic leadership, where your team is allowed to know you are human, leaders still need to pay attention to what they say and how they say it, being aware of the impact what they radiate has on their team.
And that is hard sometimes. For many leaders, there are few spaces where they can fully let go and do not need to be en garde in some shape or form.
The coaching space is one that is meant to be that. I will always meet you where you are and never take skipping the small talk personally.
There is nothing more beautiful for me than to see the talking pace slowing down, thoughts calming, problems resolving by being spoken out loud and reflected upon, given the emotions some room. For this to happen, you can land in the room whichever way you are in that given moment. I enjoy working with what is, no need for masks, hiding stress.