I was working with a client the other day.
Smart, wise, articulate, conversationally skilled, and definitely not looking for options, but they were wanting different outcomes.
At some point in the session, I felt it was like we’d come up to a decent sized rock on the low-tide shore, that could have a few interesting things underneath if we rolled it to the side temporarily.
“If you were coaching yourself, and you wanted to explore or challenge the thinking behind what you’ve said there, what would you say?”
Analysing this question, it contained:
- A question.
- A new perceptual position.
- Defined scope of reference.
- Highlighted distinctions between words & behaviours, and deeper thoughts & beliefs.
- Creativity in how the rock got moved.
- Choice of linguistic form.
- A door to new possibilities.
- Even information for the coach on the client’s way of seeing and thought construction.
The client went still and slow, and speaking pretty much stopped. Like a part of themselves had been oxygenated for the first time in ages.
New territory, new neural pathways firing perhaps, definitely new conversational terrain.
Potential freed, ready to be harnessed.
