The Art and Science of Coaching and My Camera
July 11th, 2020
I have been working for more than 20 years, and the various experiences I have had so far have shaped the way I lead my life today.
The six weeks spent on my Coaching Certification from Erickson Coaching, have been a period of introspection; giving me the knowledge to understand which of my qualities I need to sharpen and which I need to unlearn.
Life has had some great learning's planned for me; I am enjoying my new find. A good coach and my fellow learners have added flavor to my learning's and have provided me with great experiences.
"Coaching is my journey of self-exploration"
The best learning in the Art & Science of Coaching for me has been to slow down a bit, to live in the moment and to experience the joy and happiness of exploring the inner strengths of oneself and of others.
“Who you are is How you coach”
The first exercise, which I was asked to do was to pick a metaphor that resonates my journey of coaching. I chose my camera, that I believe is my north star, and that will keep guiding me in my journey. It took me many years to master the art and science of using my Camera. I believe it will take me years to master the art and science of coaching.
“I will fail, fail faster, fail again, fail faster, fail better and fail again”
Let me help you visualise my metaphor and the essential elements of coaching and how the various components of my camera resonates those elements
My Camera
Preparation:Just like coaching it requires a planning for the shoot, understanding the subject, the environment and the setup, preparation on what/when/why and with/how. Visualising how success will look like when I get a good shot/ image.
View finder/ eye piece:With eye attached to the camera view finder/ eye piece, the rest of the world stops around you. You live in that moment and you are exploring something not explored earlier. Seeing through a different eye. Gaining and listening from a different space and with an intent, is so powerful.
Camera settings:ISO brings out the shades, shutter speed brings out the quick and slow factors, Aperture gives both the subject and the environment view. The mind is asking questions on right combinations and tonality every time. The right combinations bring out the best in me.
Shutter button:To pick the right shot, pressing the shutter button on time is important. Similarly, placement of right words is important to engage better. The shutter button works perfectly when all our combinations are accurate. Capturing the moment that is critical in a shoot and in the life of Coachee, makes or breaks the picture and the life-long relationship that you make with a Coachee.
Viewing Screen:Viewing screen helps reflect on the shot; it is like visualising the experience that you had during the coaching discussion with the Coachee. Reflection and details; what I wanted and what I have got. Does this require to change my settings or the questions, if yes make change and shoot again/ ask again. Till, you get the best shot or the best contract/ outcome.
Memory card:Right shots/ right experience is recorded for life. Happy memories help cherish the time spent in that moment. It always gives me happiness whenever I look at the final image. It is similar to recording and maintaining a log book of your coaching experience. In coaching, the experience matters the most.
Next opportunity/ next Coachee –go back to preparation stage again and start a new journey for a new shoot and for a next Coachee.
“In Coaching, Slow is Fast”
I am grateful to everyone who has taught me, shared their learnings and experiences of life. My own journey as a Coach has just begun, and I have a long way to go. Reach out to me if I can be of any help.
