WHAT IS LIFE COACHING?
The quickening pace of change in our society occurs amid more choice than human beings have ever before confronted. Coaches help people reflect on what matters most, clarify their available options and deliberate which steps lead there. Because coaching only focuses on the future, it’s not like counseling to explore wounds of the past. Yet, coaching and counseling both require strict confidentiality and high trust in the coach’s integrity.
Coaches help motivated people discern, navigate and claim their future, rather than passively awaiting it to unfold. They ask thought-provoking questions, listen deeply and help formulate strategies designed to reach specific goals. Over time, coaching sessions can help track your progress and make any necessary strategic adjustments.
No coach is a good match for everyone, but every well-motivated person can benefit from working with the right coach. Like sports coaches, life coaches strengthen your performance.
Coaching helps:
- discern what you want most
- identify the steps most likely to lead there
- monitor actions taken, and their effectiveness
- stay positively focused on achieving the future you most deeply desire.
SOME COACHING QUESTIONS
- What sense of direction best guides you and where will it lead?
- Are you realizing your potential?
- How clear are your goals for the future?
- What holds you back or gets in the way?
- Are your most fundamental values present to your daily decisions?
- What would it take to change?
- How can I help?
WHAT BACKGROUND HELPS DAVID COACH?
His diverse career includes complimentary roles of teacher, policy activist, social entrepreneur, philanthropic grant maker, nonprofit developer, and clergy. Each of these had a meaningful sense of purpose and often occurred in a context of constant change. By never repeating the same kind of job, David gained lots of experience navigating purposeful transition.
In 2006, David chose to leave a comfortable Fort Lauderdale job for the role of Social Justice Pastor at Saint Mark’s (Episcopal) Cathedral in Seattle. He could not have known it was on the cusp of profound leadership transition. During the next 7 years, he coached many people who sought help navigating life’s transitions from this cathedral’s priest of continuity during a period of major staff turnover.
Everyone has transitions! In 2013, after leaving Saint Mark’s, David narrowly survived a traumatic scooter collision which ‘gifted’ him with two years of focus on healing well. Using coaches of his own during this period of recovery has drawn him deeper into professional coaching.
HOW DOES A COACHING RELATIONSHIP BEGIN?
An initial session seeks to map what landscape of change you are traversing – and the outcomes you desire! It helps set some specific goals, and considers when and how to meet (e.g., in person, by phone, Skype, etc.). If David thinks he can help, he’ll offer a written contract that includes goals and terms for a limited series of meetings. The initial session is exploratory and without obligation on the part of either party, so it’s free. After completing an initial contract, the agreement might – or might not – be renewed with a fresh set of goals.