Coaching session with Michelle Jacobs #1

I had my first session as "coachee" with Michelle this afternoon.  I told Michelle that I believe I would benefit from this process by developing my ability to look at dialogue differently and am hoping to come up with (with her help!) some solutions to communication breakdowns I have had in the past.  We both agreed that this process will help deepen our understanding of dialogue and we plan on experiencing some personal development from this. Throughout these sessions, I am also looking for affirmation and clarification of views I have on communication with others, especially working with a partner or on a team.  I believe learning how to coach and how to be the coachee provides a nice balance and I will be able to successfully translate this knowledge to working relationships. 

After I graduate this May, my goal is to obtain a position for which I am directly involved with training, personal and professional development and/or curriculum development.  Instead of telling people what to do; I would prefer to work with them in this type of coach/coachee type of relationship, acting as a guide.  I see myself in a position where I am presenting ideas and strategizing for solutions and helping others do so as well.  My vision involves a lot of team work and challenges.  I like the idea of stretching the imagination and really triggering that creativity within to reach a common goal.  Throughout this process of being coached by Michelle, I expect to be challenged to think outside the box.  I am hoping our sessions will bring some of my  ideas to fruition and allow for deeper reflection on what it truly means to listen, how to be open and honest and encourage one another.  I believe that this collaboration will be a huge teaching moment for both of us.  

I have acted as a mentor in several situations, in a conflict resolution group in high school, in the sorority setting in college (big sister/little sister) and in various training and management positions I have held over the years.  I find that in more personal relationships, I think it is easier to act in the coach role because we are more apt to be the “cheerleaders” to our friends than to strangers or professional acquaintances.  We may be less judgmental because we are familiar with them. In organizations, there tends to be more of a “You need to do this or look out for that or think this…” mentality. It's every man for themselves.  I see a huge benefit to adding the coaching process to companies because I think it will increase listening skills and create an atmosphere of trust.  In this way, perhaps we would be more apt to be supportive of one another create a more synergistic vision of values and goals.