I am studying to be a life coach. Often people will ask, "what is a life coach?"
A life coach facilitates positive change by improving thinking. I came across David Rock’s interview with Jeffrey M. Schwartz, M.D., A Brain-Based Approach to Coaching, www.workplacecoaching.com and it really resonated with me. It is very exciting that recent neuroscience findings provide an explanation of how and why our brains need coaches. Below if a very brief summary:
1. Our brain thinks in mind maps. Each mind map is a series of connections which represent a habit or thought form. Often these mind maps can’t connect together. This is when we will feel stuck. For instance, one mind map states it wants to go on vacation while the other states it can’t afford a vacation.
2. Our brain does not make large changes easily. It perceives change as a threat which initiates a “fight or flight” response.
3. Focus/attention is the key to changing the brain. Whatever we focus on will create connections (mind maps). Unfortunately, our brains will automatically think about the past because the connection has already been made. In fact, each time the brain thinks of the past in makes the connection stronger. It takes focus to place your attention on future because the connections have not yet been made. It is often said that attention is the active ingredient in coaching.
4. Our brains love certainty and safety. The brain has to feel safe in order to make change.
5. Insight is the key to change. Prior to insight reflection must take place. Action is difficult to take until we have an insight.
6. Follow up: The charge we receive from our insight does not last long so follow up is important.
To get a complete understanding of brain based coaching please read This interview offers many more reasons our brains need life coaches.
Our Brains Need Life Coaches
One example of a coaching session using the brain based approach:
Coaches create a safe compassionate environment for their clients. By asking questions the coach will gently guide their client to have “toward” type thinking instead of “backward” type thinking. “Backward” type thinking addresses the problem. “Toward” type thinking addresses the solution. It is important to note that the coach is not interested in answering the question or telling the client his opinion. He simply acts as a facilitator and observer. Once their client shows a sign of insight (eyes looking up or to the side) quite time is allowed for reflection. This is when an insight will take place. In order to give this new insight proper focus the coach will discuss it, give a writing assignment relating to it and/or ask the client to tell their family and friends about the insight. The quality and duration of focus is imperative to making a new connection (mind map). The coach will then follow up with client to ensure action steps were taken and assist in creating new action steps.
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