THE LIFE LAB
In their first session together, the award-winning coach Kim Morgan listens with care and tries to tailor her approach, to help a client pick the right path
Coaching in action
Session one…
Liz* had arrived for her first coaching session. I waited as she took off her coat and scarf, folded them both very precisely, placed them on a chair, and then handed me a folder: ‘My work history, CV, a list of qualifications, and my hobbies and interests – for your information,’ she said. She sat looking at me, pen poised, ready to take notes.
I thanked Liz and assured her that I would read the documents thoroughly once we had finished our coaching session.
‘For now, though, I would like to hear what has brought you here for coaching, and what you hope to gain from our time together.’
Liz nodded: ‘Of course. I have a big career decision to make and am struggling with it. I’ve never taken any risks or done anything impulsive. Didn’t go to uni. Trained as a secretary and always been a secretary. Forty-seven years old. Only ever worked for three companies. Been in my current role seven years.’
As Liz was speaking, I made a mental note to tone down my tendency to ask emotionally charged questions and use visualisation exercises; I sensed that Liz wasn’t ready for the level of creative exploration I usually go for. Learning to match and pace a client’s way of communicating is a key skill for coaches, particularly in the early stages of a coaching relationship.
I wanted to acknowledge that I had heard and understood Liz. ‘Thank you for telling me about your career background and the stability you have had in your work to date. What has changed now, to bring you here?’
‘I have been offered voluntary redundancy,’ she told me. ‘The company is reducing the admin staff by 50 per cent, because now technolog y can do so much of the work we do. The company has offered me, along with others, the option of voluntary redundancy, with a good financial package. I need to decide within a few weeks whether to accept the offer and I was hoping that you could help me.’
‘What are your current thoughts and feelings about it?’ I asked.
‘At first, devastated, scared, and rejected. I’m not a fan of change. I get a lot from the social side of my work. Being in the office is familiar, and I know how it all works. I am in my comfort zone. I’ve been a secretary all my life. But I can’t ignore the significant financial package on offer, and what a difference it might make for me. I’ve led a very predictable life and I wonder if it is possible to
