After I put out an offer of free 30-minute coaching sessions on LinkedIn recently, it was interesting to read what type of support people were seeking in a coaching session. Some people wanted help with their CV while others were looking for more skill-based support.
For each person who contacted me, I wrote back to clarify that I am a context coach. I help people pay attention to the context of their issue rather than just the content.
Content = what we’re talking about
Context = how we’re talking about it
In other words, I help people see how they are being with the issue, whether from a state of fear or a state of trust. During coaching, once people get clear on the context of their issue, the content often shifts much more easily.
I learned the art of context coaching from Jim Dethmer and Diana Chapman, authors of the book The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership and co-founders of The Conscious Leadership Group. This short video explains the difference between content and context.
For any current challenge you are having, ask yourself:
- How are you being with that issue?
- Are you being with the issue from a state of fear or a state of trust?
