Making Distinctions & Defining Terms

In this episode of @CoachingThruIt, Julie and Laura talk about having coaching clients make distinctions, define terms, and get to the heart of the matter in a session. We chat a bit about “fillers” vs. blunt questions, and how we are thinking about defining terms and comparison when in our own coaching practice. Tools we compare in this episode -- specifically to know the “how” and “what” certain words mean to them: Making Distinctions - differentiating between two things; comparing two concepts or ideas. e.g., leadership vs. being a leader; community vs. relationship Defining Terms - how the client describes a concept, term, etc.; e.g., “What do you mean by that?” or “Tell me more about that…” Removing the “barnacles” or fillers: the extra words, context, or “scratchy bit,” that might get in a way of your question; e.g. “Help me understand...” {insert question} Do these context pieces or summarization direct/lead our clients? Does empathy look different in a coaching relationship? How much can our coaching clients take in with these questions? Bottom line: Shut up, and just ask the direct question Mirroring behavior: “Emotions are real!” Setting the tone with coaching clients to bring them up/down/even Bottom lining: when a client is giving too much context, etc. to redirect the client Checking in with clients: Just to say “Hi, How are you?” Peeling back the onion in the “murky middle” of a coaching session Put on your “opportunity overalls” -- let’s get to work! Self-reflection tool for making distinction Do we not spend enough time thinking about words? Book: Finding Your Why by Simon Sinek ----- Want to learn more about coaching? Have a question or topic we should discuss? Let us know! Follow the pod on Twitter: @CoachingThruIt & Instagram: @CoachingThruIt Email us at: [email protected] Connect to the hosts: @laurapasquini & @julieclarsen Music credit: The song reCreation by airtone has been remixed under a CC-BY license.