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SolutionsAcademy

January 24, 2025

What experienced coaches would have told their younger selves

What wisdom can be gained from experienced coaches? Remind yourself that you are good enough, step out of problem-solving mode, embrace the unknown? Which advice would you give?

January 10, 2025

When clients want to know “why”

Humans are meaning-makers, often needing coherent stories to understand experiences. Coaching can shift focus from "why" to growth, self-compassion, and actionable goals, fostering resilience and forward movement.

January 2, 2025

"If" or "When" - Using presuppositional language in coaching

Presuppositional language in Solution Focused coaching assumes positive change is possible, empowering clients to explore solutions. Using “when” fosters hope and action, while ethical care ensures assumptions align with client perspectives

December 27, 2024

Cha...cha... cha... changes...

Start fresh with hope and purpose. Reflect on the past, set values-driven goals, and envision your ideal future. Coaching principles transform vague resolutions into meaningful, actionable steps for lasting growth.

December 20, 2024

Who is responsible: the team or the team coach?

In team coaching, the team coach facilitates productive discussions and process design, but responsibility for outcomes lies with the team and leader. Effective partnership and clear role boundaries are key.

December 13, 2024

Just not feeling it - coaching "cognitive" clients

Coaching often contrasts “cognitive” and “emotional” conversations, but these elements coexist naturally. This blog explores strategies for enriching “cognitive” sessions without forcing emotional discussions, fostering deeper client engagement and transformation.

December 6, 2024

Solution Focused and Narrative Coaching Ethics

Solution Focused and Narrative Coaching Ethics prioritize participatory curiosity, valuing co-constructed relationships over neutral observation. Emphasizing equal client-coach perspectives, they reject privilege, objectification, and diagnostic categorization, fostering meaningful, generative conversations rooted in mutual respect.

November 29, 2024

Coaching Perfectionism: Honoring Strengths While Expanding Possibilities

Perfectionism. The word often conjures up mixed feelings. For many, it represents dedication, meticulousness, and a drive to excel. For others, it can evoke images of burnout, stress, and the never-ending feeling of “not enough.” For coaches, working with perfectionist clients presents a unique opportunity to walk a delicate balance: honoring their strengths while helping them expand their capacity to embrace imperfection.

November 22, 2024

Matching the “energy” of the client: a crucial consideration for coaches

Coaching "energy" reflects speed, tone, and gestures. Matching low "energy" risks "problem talk," while high "energy" may overwhelm. Balancing "energy" fosters reflection and connection. Reflect on "energy" to enhance sessions.

November 15, 2024

How to prepare for a coaching session: a reflective approach

Prepare for impactful coaching sessions with this 5-step approach: center yourself, recall the client’s journey, set your intention, listen deeply, and embrace flexibility. Enhance each session with presence and purpose.

November 8, 2024

When your client has YOUR problem

When coaches face similar challenges as clients, maintaining focus can be difficult. Strategies include being transparent, practicing mindful empathy, recognizing differences in experiences, and emphasizing a future-focused perspective.

October 31, 2024

What to Do When a Client Becomes Pushy and Expects More Time Than Agreed

Setting boundaries with pushy clients is essential to sustainable coaching. Empathetically revisit agreements, offer alternatives, encourage independence, and protect your energy to maintain a balanced, respectful coaching relationship for both parties.

October 25, 2024

Can a manager coach their team??

A manager coaching their team is complex due to role confusion and potential conflicts of interest. However, if roles are clarified and trust is built, it can work—especially within a coaching culture. Alternatives include swapping managers for coaching or hiring external coaches to avoid evaluation bias.

October 18, 2024

Coaching and Lindy Hop: Learning is fun!

I'm currently taking Lindy Hop classes in Tokyo with Yamada-sensei, exploring the varied teaching styles I've experienced across countries. As a coach educator, I find it fascinating how different learning approaches impact skill development.

October 11, 2024

How to measure success in your early coaching journey?

Measuring success as a new coach involves gathering client feedback, self-reflection, seeking external validation like certifications and supervision, and tracking business growth. Success is a continuous, long-term journey.