research paper: chloe moodley the language of dynamic coaching

7/29/2019 Research Paper: Chloe Moodley The Language of Dynamic Coaching

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Research Paper Assessment

Name: Chloe Moodley

Date: October 24, 2012Email: [email protected]

Complete your 2000 word research paper and insert it in the space below. Thenemail this document as an attachment to [email protected]


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Copyright 2006 International Coach Academy Pty. Ltd.

Use is governed by the Terms and Conditions at http://www.icoachacademy.comLast updated Feb 2006

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The Language of Dynamic Coaching

Chloe Moodley

International Coach Academy

CPCP

October 24, 2012


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Abstract

Coaching has transformed the way people think, communicate and respond to a

kaleidoscope of issues in their lives. The fundamental tool of this change is the language

used by trainers and coaches. Whether this is done on the telephone or face to face, the

same positive life-changing results take place. The choice, speed, and connection of

words, the modulation of voice tone, the interjections, the sound of silence, the time taken

to respond, and the timing, catapults the client into a place of self-awareness and self-

realization enabling them to reach realistic goals within a measurable time period. This

report describes 24 cases of trainers, student coaches who have recently graduated or are

completing their studies, clients who have been coached, and leaders or mentors who

have no experience with coaching. The findings reveal that the language of trainers and

coaches enable clients to reframe their perspective through exploration and discovery.

Keywords: language, communication, phrases, questions, interpretation, metaphors

Introduction

Imagine a table with four legs being dissembled into five or more separate pieces. How

can a leg be called a leg if it does not support anything? It is just a piece of wood and

could be anything. The same goes with language. Stringing together a specific choice of

words, spoken at a certain pace, tone and time can become a whole concept that has form

and purpose. In the sphere of my observation, I have witnessed trainers and coaches

transform the thought processes of clients. Active listening, powerful questioning,


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intuition and observation of every vocal nuance is captured and transmitted in a perfect

flow of language between coach and client.

Language is the unconscious filtering system we use to express our experiences. Most of

our perception happens through the language we use to code incoming information.

Clients speak at different levels of specificity: sometimes with great detail and other

times very abstract. Trainers and coaches create rapport with clients by understanding

this, and communicate it back by using their language so that it gives clients a new

perspective. What is this language spoken by trainers and coaches that cause such

dynamic transformation especially when the trainer or coach speaks for only about 20%

of the conversation?

Method

Participants

There were four groups consisting of five participants except the Focus Group which

consisted of four participants:

Control Group

Trainer Group

Student Coach Group

Client Group

Focus Group

The Control Group consisted of five corporate leaders or mentors who have never been


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coached but have heard about it. The group called non-coach non-client (NCNC), used

experiences and some leadership training to communicate. To demonstrate the language

of coaches, the Trainer Group consisted of experienced professional trainer coaches. This

set the standardized language by which other systems were measured. The Student Coach

Group consisted of students from ICA who recently graduated or are close to it. The

Client Group consisted of various clients. The only criteria for the selection process

depended on the group. Finally, the Focus Group consisted of four independent

participants represented all four groups.

Procedures

The methodological approach for investigating this qualitative research was based on

three corresponding questionnaires: Trainers and Student Coaches, Clients, and NCNC.

All questions were based on observations in coaching sessions and readings over a period

of four months. Certain words were altered to reflect the applicable position of each

group. NCNC answers reflected clients and work colleagues. Once affirmation of

participation came from the subjects, the questionnaires were emailed with a deadline for

responses. On collection of the data, the Focus Group discussed the findings. This report

reflects a collation of these findings.

Results

Change in Choice of Words and Communication Styles

Trainers changed their choice of words, tone, use of silence and the way they

communicate, to bring about self-awareness and self-realization in clients. Student


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Coaches said their choice of words did not change but their communication style did.

Clients acknowledged coaches for verbal reflection that brought about self-awareness.

NCNC felt there was no need to change their communication style.

Adopted Phrases and Questions Used by Other Coaches

Trainers and Student Coaches gave examples of phrases they adopted from other coaches.

Clients said the questions coaches asked were a great motivation to move forward.

NCNC said they probably use phrases theyve heard other people use, but are unaware of

it.

Development of Ones Own Set of Phrases and Questions

Trainers have developed their own set of questions over time whereas Student Coaches

have not. Clients gave examples of questions that coaches use frequently. One question

most clients commented on was Whats your takeaway? NCNC said they usually get to

the point about business.

Awareness of Communication Style and Patterns

Trainers maintain a diplomatic approach depending on the client. They have an overall

structure during their sessions. Student Coaches said they have greater curiosity and try to

be good listeners by being empathetic and conversational. Clients do not observe

structure but use silence as space to think and answer the question. NCNC soften or

harden their style for people.


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Same Mode of Communication in Personal Life

Trainers have adopted some coaching communication into their personal lives. Theyve

learned how to see things from others perspectives and have developed the ability to

listen without offering advice. Student Coaches do not use coaching communication in

their personal life. NCNC separate their work from their personal life.

Use of Imagery, Visualization, Metaphors and Analogies in Communication

Trainers frequently use all of the above as reference points. Most Student Coaches do not

use imagery as much as they would like to. Clients relate to imagery and visuals and use

it as a motivational tool to move toward their goal. NCNC do not use imagery and

referred to the use of graphs instead.

Specific Tools Used in Sessions

Trainers and Student Coaches have developed tools they use to communicate during

sessions. Some use different tools with different clients. Clients feel the tools used by

their coaches help change their perspective. NCNC also use tools to communicate.

Awareness of the Way Questions are Asked

Trainers are fully aware of what they ask and their tone. They are respectful and curious

about the consequences of an action or inaction. Student Coaches are mindful of their

words. They feel their self-awareness continues to improve. Clients see things differently

when questions are asked. They are inspired by the authenticity of their coaches. NCNC

are unaware of what they use to communicate or ask questions.


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Aware of How Communication Affects the Client

Trainers are aware of the effect their communication have on clients. The client mirrors

this. The pace and energy of a session is influenced by being in a state of awareness.

Student Coaches are aware of their communication based on the clients answers. NCNC

are not always aware of how others receive their feedback.

Information Received by What the Client is Saying or Implying

Trainers and Student Coaches process information subconsciously based upon what the

client is saying as well as implying. As a result they are able to understand and listen to

the essence of what is being said, and then ask questions to get the facts that need to be

known. Clients feel that their coaches generally understand what they are trying to say.

NCNC mostly listen to what is being said and may ask probing questions for implied

messages.

Interpretation, Assumptions, Reading between the Lines

Trainers read between the lines using emotional intelligence and intuition. Student

Coaches read between the lines up to a certain point. They check in with clients to see if

their interpretation is correct. Clients feel their coaches are able to interpret what they are

saying. NCNC feel its all about interpretation.

Language as the Main Communication System

Trainers and Student Coaches view language as the primary communication system

although there are other forms as well. NCNC also believe language is one of several


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communication styles but body language plays a part in how the verbal message is

received.

Using Intuition or the Art of Listening to an Unspoken Language

Trainers use intuition to listen to what the client says or does not say. Student Coaches

feel it is the art of listening to an unspoken language. Clients believe their coaches

understand exactly what they are saying without realizing the process the coach is

experiencing. NCNC are unaware if they use intuition or not.

Listening When Clients Do Not Know How to Communicate Their Feelings

Trainers and Student Coaches sense the clients feelings, breathing, words, positive or

negative energy and emotions behind the voice. Clients feel that coaches sense their

apprehensiveness and give them the space to work through their thoughts. NCNC listen

to tone but do not give clients room to process thoughts.

Empathizing yet Staying Detached by not being Emotionally Drawn In

Trainers and Student Coaches redirect the energy to an external place by giving the client

space to express their emotions. They validate the clients feelings about issues they are

facing, then motivate and empower them to take action. Conversation is focused on

forward action and an attitude of curiosity is maintained. NCNC do not empathize. They

cannot really hear or feel what the client is saying.


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Dynamic Coaching involves Learning How to Process the Information our Senses

Receive, and then Express them through a Language that the Client Understands

Trainers approach the exploratory phase with courtesy, empathy and skill to best serve

the client. Although their approaches are similar, they respond and process information

differently. Some Student Coaches respond to clients as individuals while others

stereotype. They mirror information in a clear, authentic and nonjudgmental way. Clients

are energized and enlightened by their coachs comments and questions. This drives them

to attain their goal. NCNC do not know what coaching is about and how coaches operate.

Discussion

TRAINER

Trainers own their communication style, exude confidence and possess a mastery of their

craft. They respond with direct answers, acknowledge other coaches phrases, and can

provide examples theyve adopted. Trainers structured coaching sessions through their

curiosity, empathy and diplomacy. They take away positive learning from coaching

sessions. Trainers use visualization, metaphors and analogies to anchor conversations,

issues or concepts including the extensive use of tools. Theyve developed patterns of

communication and are fully aware of the effect it has on the client. Their transparency

creates a comfortable environment. Trainers listen to implied messages as well as the

literal, and try to avoid making assumptions. They believe language is the main

communication system and if they truly listen they can hear every nuance, tone and

cadence that only comes with experience. Trainers sense the clients breathing, speed of


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words, energy and feelings. They empathize with clients by giving them space to express

their feelings. Trainers process the information they receive differently yet all produce

similar results.

STUDENT COACH

Student Coaches are in the process of developing their coaching skills. Their

communication has become less impulsive and more thoughtful. They didnt understand

some of the questions and their answers lacked specificity. They have adopted phrases

and questions theyve heard trainers use in classes, and are in the process of developing

their own set of questions and discovering structure. They are more tentative and aspire to

listen and attain coaching tips. They are aware of how they communicate and make a

conscious effort to understand the client. This is continuously developing. They read

between the lines and feel that they make assumptions. Student Coaches believe that

language is the basic form of communication even though other factors play into it. They

use the art of unspoken language to listen to what the client says or does not say and

believe it improves as clients become more familiar. They deduce what the client is

saying by listening to tone of voice, and try to create a space so they are not emotionally

drawn in. Information they receive is processed through individualization, but some

coaches stereotype clients.

CLIENT

Clients fully understood the questions and answered with specific examples. They are

brought into a new place of self-awareness through deeper insight about their truths.


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Clients notice their coaches tone and acknowledge it. Through verbal reflection the client

learns to be open and self-reflective. Hearing the coach recap helps clients recognize and

solidify issues. Repetitive phrases or questions resonate with clients and help them move

toward their goals. As the sessions progress, clients become comfortable and attune to the

frequent themes of the conversations. What are you going to commit to? motivates

clients to move forward. Takeaways solidify sessions. Clients do not observe structure

but are comfortable with the silence that helps them work through their thoughts. Imagery

brings clarity, and visualization helps them attain their goals. Metaphorically, stories give

new meaning to the clients internal representations. The tools coaches use, help reframe

their perspective. Questions asked create aha moments that help them to further explore.

Clients feel coaches generally understand what they are trying to say by paying attention

to detail and sensing their apprehensiveness. Coaches are viewed as caring and

understanding. The communication style of the coach validates them and assists in

forward motion.

NCNC

NCNC are not fully aware of their communication techniques and could not effectively

answer the questions. Because of lack of self-awareness, they cannot easily obtain

information from others. Feedback from people and courses theyve taken influence their

communication style. NCNC acknowledge using phrases by other people but have not

developed their own set of phrases or questions they use frequently. NCNC come

prepared to engage in conversation, but these are static. They dont remember using


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visualization, imagery or metaphors but do use communication tools. They are unaware

of the way they communicate their thoughts or ask questions, and of their effect on

people. NCNC listen to literal speech and sometimes read between the lines. They feel

language is one of several communication styles and body language plays a part in how

verbal messages are received. NCNC do not give people space to express themselves or

think through their thoughts instead they may coax. They are into their own issues rather

than those of others. NCNC have a misunderstanding of coaching.

Conclusion

Trainers and Coaches have developed a dynamic way of communicating with clients to

move them strategically toward their goals through language nuances and intuition. They

have learned to process messages they receive and express them in a way that penetrates,

draws out answers and uncovers hidden places inside the client. This transforms the

cognitive processes of the client into a forward moving mechanism rather than a

regressive or static outcome. When the client receives information through simple

questions or comments from their coach, they are brought into a revelatory place through

self-awareness and discovery. The language of dynamic coaching impacts clients in an

explosive manner versus the language spoken by leaders or mentors.


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3. "NLP Language Patterns."NLP Language Patterns. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2012.

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4. "Philosophy of Language." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Oct. 2012. Web. 21Oct. 2012. .

5. "The Power Of Communication: Psychology Of Words And Language Revealed." The

Power Of Communication: Psychology Of Words And Language Revealed. N.p.,

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6. Rath, Tom, and Marcus Buckingham. StrengthsFinder 2.0. New York: Gallup, 2007.

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7. "Resources." The Language of Coaching...The Right Words at the Right Time. N.p.,n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. .

8. Stoltzfus, Tony. Coaching Questions: A Coach's Guide to Powerful Asking Skills.

Virginia Beach, VA: Tony Stoltzfus, 2008. Print.

9. Wittgenstein, Ludwig, and G. E. M. Anscombe.Philosophical Investigations. Oxford,UK: Blackwell, 1997. Print.

research paper: chloe moodley the language of dynamic coaching

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