Coaching Influences: What Influences You?

By Rob Stringer, ICA Faculty
Youth Coach, CANADA

Compared to other disciplines like psychology and consulting, coaching is a relatively young industry—still only “in its twenties”. Its creators were influenced by a wide range of disciplines, theories, and support modalities which we discuss in our aptly named, Coaching Influences module. But in a recent class, we expanded our discussions to include the question, “What are some of YOUR influences? What is helping to shape/grow your skills, knowledge and effectiveness as a Coach?” Here are a few of the thoughts that were shared …

Positive Psychology…

Unlike the previous waves of psychology that tended to focus on the negative in people’s lives and overcoming adversity, positive psychology focuses on the pursuit of happiness and well-being. Research findings, especially in the last decade, have been a goldmine to coaches—helping them better understand how people think, patterns that may exist, and lines of inquiry they may wish to pursue with clients. A couple of authors you may want to check out include:

Carol Dweck. Her groundbreaking book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2007), is great at introducing the concept of “fixed vs. growth” mindsets, and how to recognize and/or foster them in our clients.

Martin Seligman. Sometimes referred to as one of the Fathers of positive psychology, all his books are great. However, a personal favourite is, The Optimistic Child (2007), which can really help you understand the difference between optimism and pessimism. Once aware, coaches can help clients make changes in their explanatory styles (self-talk) to better support forward movement and success.

Neurobiology…

Just as positive psychology has taught us more about how people think, neurobiology research has shed light on how the brain works—how it is wired. Again, having a little more insight/knowledge into the physical workings of the brain can help expand awareness about topics like the effects of stress on our clients. Here are just a couple names you may want to check out …

Daniel Amen.Dr. Amen’s book, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life (Revised, 2015) does a good job describing key parts of our brains, what they control, and what common issues occur when they are over/under-stimulated (e.g. anxiety, moodiness, etc.). He also lists many practical, non-prescriptive actions people can try to self-regulate these parts of their brains—great ideas for potential client “fieldwork”.

The Hawn Foundation. This organization created a series of books, The MindUP Curriculum, designed for use with students (K-8) to teach them about mindfulness. However, one of the first lessons teaches kids some very basic neurobiology—about three key parts of their brains—and how mindfulness practices can help them self-regulate. Great information for people of any age to know!

Contemporary Philosophers…

Jim Rohn. Jim was a prolific speaker who sadly passed away in 2009, but his words and wisdom live on in his many recordings and publications. Have some free time? Google Jim and watch/listen to one of his seminars, or pick up a copy of his book, Leading and Inspired Life (1997, 2010). A great book to recommend to clients and/or read yourself.

There you go—we’ve barely begun to scrape the surface of the many people, practices, and resources out there influencing your fellow coaches. Hopefully, you may also find them of value. By the way, the next time you’re in class, consider sharing something that has an impact on you—we’d love to hear about it!