A Coaching Power Tool Created by David Long
(Leadership/Executive Coach, UNITED STATES)
A Coaching Power Tool for Freedom
The Client Perspective is Darkened or Shadowed
The power tool of Light vs. Darkness contrasts the powerful potential for moving from the present to the future state by the client. The coach opens a portal from a darkened or shadow filled space for the client into a brighter future by shifting perspective, increasing awareness, discovering new opportunities, and a new mindset and attitudes. No darkened space can remain dark when light is brought into that space, the darkness will leave. The coach’s role is to invite the client to explore what lies beyond the current state by illuminating the potential in a brighter future state
Darkness Can Trap
Darkness is defined as the partial or total absence of light, in a metaphorical sense people can live in that space emotionally and mentally. People can get stuck in a place where hope for change seems distant or unlikely, resulting in a darkened perception of the present that impedes growth and progress for a different future. The darkness can be introduced as the result of fear, insecurity, scarcity, or a host of other challenges or obstacles to client progress. The circumstances of life, with all its unpredictability, loss, changes, challenges, and uncertainty can darken a person’s present state. It is into that space the coach brings light through opening a door in the client’s circumstances that offers a way out. The door was always there, but a past or present situation obscured the door until the coach guides the client to find and open the door. That invitation is for freedom out of their current darkness and shadows, and into the light of future possibilities. The client is then guided by the coach to a space where remaining in light becomes self-managed and self-realized by the client. Turning from darkness becomes a way of thought, a way of perpetual progress for the client, and moving into a brighter present that becomes a new way of life.
A Doorway Opened
To move the client towards a brighter future state, guide the client through a visualization exercise that places the client inside an imagined dome, similar to a planetarium, with the client standing at the center of a dome that surrounds the client all around and above the client. Rather than stars or planets, the client is seeing images projected on the inside of the dome: past, present, and future. There are images playing out from the client’s past, the current state, and even an imagined state for the future. Ask these questions of the client:
- What is playing on the dome? What is projected?
- What is behind you on the surface of the dome?
- What is closer to you?
- What is displayed in front of you?
Then ask the client to imagine a doorway out of the dome, the doorway is located in the wall of the dome at some point. The client is asked to identify the door, and turn towards that door as it opens. Imagine light streaming into the dome as the door is opened, drawing the client towards what lies through the door, representing the future state. The door is opened to a bright light streaming into the dome. The light is so intense it causes the projections inside the dome to fade or vanish. Ask these questions:
- What is the light illuminating beyond the door?
- What is waiting for you beyond the door?
- What is keeping from moving towards the door?
- What will it take to step through the door and to leave the current space?
- What will support you moving towards the door and into the brilliance of the light?
The Power of Light
There is no darkness within the dome that can prevent the light from exploding into the current space. No shadows or darkness can keep the light from reaching the client from the door. No amount of distraction inside the dome walls, past, present, or future can overpower the light or close the door. Only the client can find and open the door, and the client can close the door.
Explore using all the senses as the client both observes and feels the light, impacting both vision and emotion. The role of the coach is to direct the client’s attention to that door, to recognize the current state, and to discover the future state and what lies beyond the dome. Once the door is open, all is left behind, the client can step into a brighter future, and close the door on those darkened thoughts, attitudes, memories, experiences, relationships, and perspectives. Freedom is the result of light exposing the darkness of the present, and the client choosing to move towards a doorway, and to step through into what is producing the light.