Inside Scoop: Too Directive?
by Natalie Tucker Miller, IAC-CC
Q. I received feedback that I was too directive with my client. Is being directive always viewed as negative?
A. Collaborate with your client. Brainstorm. Share what you’re noticing. Make statements to increase understanding. Suggest relevant resources. But don’t be directive? Sounds like a little bit of double talk, doesn’t it?
However, when you look at how being directive affects the coaching, the definition comes into focus.
- What is the impact on the specific client?
- In what context is the approach applied?
- What is the most appropriate action for the given situation and/or how reliant is the coach on that action?
- Does the coach demonstrate an understanding of the difference between being direct and being directive?
These are just a few indicators to be aware of when pursuing the most effective approach.
In this article, we’ll delve into some of the specifics of those examples for better understanding of when and how being directive might serve your client. The Masteries e-book has several examples that can help demystify this concept. Members can download the e-book for free, and non-members can purchase it for a nominal fee. Please visit the website for details.
Members, continue reading here.
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Do you have a question that you’d like to ask the certifiers? Submit your questions here: http://certifiedcoachblog.typepad.com/blog/ask-the-certifiers.html.
Natalie Tucker Miller, IAC-CC, is the Lead Certifier and a certifying examiner at the IAC, as well as Past-President. She is Dean of Students and a Master Instructor at the School of Coaching Mastery. Natalie is founder of Ageless-Sages.com Publishing (www.ageless-sages.com), and creator of the literary genre, Picture Books for Elders™.
Please send your questions on the IAC Coaching Masteries® and the certification process to certification@certifiedcoach.org.
