I learned about coaching in 2014 and I quickly realised this was a different and far more effective way of helping and engaging with people. Rather than telling them what to do, I actually helped people tell themselves what to do. Rather than delivering my expertise, I was able to drew forth their expertise. And, not to miss, rather than standing by and watching as coachee did nothing with the action steps that I had given, I stood amazed at the progress they made towards their own goals…this was crafty and not at all easy for someone who is taking the first step as a coach.

I’m going to share 3 ways that has worked for me:

1. Be creative:

As a coach, it’s not alone a technique of coaching that I learnt but to change the way I perceived coaching to be. I believe, it’s all about “thinking like a coach”. This approach brought tremendous value during my discussions with the coachee. I learnt, coaches creativity invites coachee’s creativity; traditional approach of planned questions before the session do not help. So it’s all about asking creative questions, using metaphors, analogies and willing to try something different

2. Raise the curiosity:

I always thought curiosity killed the cat but in coaching I experienced this is a strong tool to motivate the coachee. Judgements are the biggest flaw of curiosity. Judging attitude says, “I know what this issue is, I experienced the same” opposite to it, when I just reshaped few questions and asked, “What you think of that? Or How are you thinking about it now” invited coaches to explore and expand their awareness of the situation, which created new awareness before rushing to action.

3. Let the coachee shine:

Since childhood we learnt to be smart than dumb. But in coaching, being smart can be dumb. As a coach, I wanted to bring highest value to my coachee through my intellect, problem solving skills and my creativity. With this attribute, I learnt that “I’m getting in the way”. Coaching is a chance for the coachee to shine, not for a coach to shine. So, I did not try to solve coachee’s problems through my own experience. Contrary, I had more engaging dialogues when I helped coachee to think the solution and simply acted as a facilitator in this process.

As Millennials are entering the work force, I believe this can be the best tool to engage with them. This generation of young workers may have grown up in a digital world and under a shower of parental attention. But ultimately, they want the same thing that every employee wants: control, meaningful work relationships, and learning opportunities. In short, coaching is a satisfying journey which I’m looking forward to experience more.