It is well known in the coaching world that the coach identity is paramount. In this article, I share with you the 6 foundations of my coaching approach, which apply to both individuals, athletes and organizations.
1 – A constant evolution
My life changed radically the day I started investing in myself through multiple and varied training courses. Self-learning allows constant evolution while having fun. The offer is now such that self-learning is accessible to everyone in the form and price that best suits them.
For my part, I enjoy to alternate online and face-to-face training, free videos as well as paper books (a good way to relax before bedtime) and audio (ideal for making the most of my travels).
I have also opted for an open and non-dogmatic coaching approach, which suits me best. I am constantly looking for new tools to use depending on the situation and the needs.
2 – A scientific methodology
« One should give only half of one’s mind to things of that kind which one believes, and reserve another half free where the contrary may be admitted if it is needed. »
This sentence by Bernard le Bovier de Fontenelle (1657-1757) has been a guiding light for my research activities from my early years until today. The importance of always keeping an open mind is of paramount importance to me, as today’s certainties may prove to be wrong tomorrow.
It is also important to rely on facts and data. However, it is critical to ensure that these are correct and complete. Otherwise, any reasoning that follows from it will be invalid.
3 – A systemic overview
Approaching a situation, a problem, a person or a company in a global and transversal way allows to better understand it, to define priorities and to highlight the interconnections (or more often their lacks).
When I worked in the field of strategic outsourcing, I loved connecting the scientific, quality, legal and financial aspects to make the best choices in the interest of the company and not just of one of these departments.
In performance management, the principle also applies because we will never be stronger than our weakest point. Knowing how to identify this will be crucial for further development.
I therefore work on the physical, mental, emotional, relational, environmental and spiritual dimensions at the same time.
4 – A full personalization
We are all unique in our genetics, age, gender, location, education, goals, resources and constraints, but also in our chronotype, neurotype, soul family and many others.
Getting to know yourself better and personalizing your approach is therefore essential. This is how I have been able to evolve myself while enjoying life more and more. It has also helped me to better understand how other people around me function and to better interact with them.
It also guarantees me a better quality of service and a greater chance of performance and success in all areas.
5 – Maximum flexibility
Our lives, private and/or professional, can be subject to more or less regular upheavals. Being able to adapt quickly will allow us to better manage these transitions.
As living beings, we are also subject to the laws of nature as well as seasonal and circadian rhythms. An optimised potential can only be achieved by taking them into account.
6 – A multifaceted coaching
Because of my non-dogmatic coaching approach, I have many international influences, ranging from Tony Robbins, Robert Dilts and Simon Sinek, to Wim Hof, Steven Kotler, Vishen Lakhiani and many coaches and athletes from various disciplines.
I also agree with Robert Dilts’ vision of the Coach with a capital C, which he details in his book « From Coach to Awakener« . A coach must indeed be able to wear various hats depending on what the coachee(s) needs:
- a guide (to discover new environments),
- a coach with a small c (to improve specific behavioural skills),
- a teacher (to acquire new cognitive skills),
- a mentor (to strengthen supporting beliefs and values),
- a sponsor (to grow in identity) and/or
- an awakener (to make them aware of the system as a whole).
Finally, I am interested in the body, mind and soul of the individual, as well as in the principles of organization. This is in line with Arthur Koestler’s notion of ‘Holon’, which states that we are both a whole and a part, like a set of Russian dolls.
I am convinced that success and fulfilment, both privately and professionally, depend on taking this concept into account.
I look forward to further discussing my coaching approach with you at your earliest convenience!