A Coaching Model Created by Corie Coyne
(Life Planning Coach, UNITED STATES)
Carl Jung was the first to theorize that there are two mutually exclusive attitudes1 – extraversion and introversion.
Each person seems to be energized more by either the external world (extraversion) or the internal world (introversion).
While part of the same continuum, the two personalities have vast differences. The introvert is more comfortable with the inner world of thoughts and feelings. They need “alone time” to recharge and become immersed in their own world. Their outward silence does not give away how much is going on underneath the surface.
An Introvert as a Coach
I am an introvert. Of that, I am sure. It is important to play to your personal strengths as a coach. My coaching model borrows from my natural tendencies in order to enhance my impact as a coach. A comparison of certain characteristics is listed below.
Finding the Introvert Resolve
If I can use my introversion as a strength, I want to show others the way, too.
Similar to StrengthsFinder assessment2 by creator Donald O. Clifton and continued by Tom Rath, the Introvert Resolve model focuses on clients who want to use their introversion as a strength. The positive attributes of those with an introvert personality are many. Introverts are wise, contemplative, empathetic, good listeners, and often, creators.
Clients who respond to this model grew up believing they were different but didn’t know why. They dealt with other people calling them “quiet,” “stuck-up,” “suffering,” or “strange.” Internally, they may worry why they are so different or wonder why others are “better than me.”
Rather than dwell on their perceived shortcomings, certain methodologies can nurture natural strengths and strengthen an introvert’s confidence.
√Sharing personal stories of struggle and triumph
√Using tried-and-true methods
-Stay on your own side with narrative therapy
√ Starting with ideas and a rational approach
-Organization
-Actionable coaching
-Project management
√Having an open mind
-Rehabilitating desire3: helping clients revive desires that have been assaulted by external demands, and restoring their trust in their own desire-based motivations.
It’s about building an arsenal against the outside world and those who would wish to change you.
I Am Not Strange; I Am Strong
Resolve [ri-zolv]
- To come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine to do something.
- To convert or transform by a process.
It’s said that 50% of us are introverts, so why do we internalize the assumption that introversion isn’t “normal”? It’s time to begin tapping into the gifts of introversion. By resolving to take charge of how you communicate and interact with the world, you can embrace who you are and foster relationships that build strong connections with others. You will discover a true sense of confidence and always remember…
…you have the right to remain silent.
1Jung, C. G. (1923) Psychological Types. Kegan Paul.
2Rath, T. (2007) StrengthsFinder 2.0. Gallup Press.
3Helgoe, L. (2013) Introvert Power. Sourcebooks.
