Mindful Coaching Liz Hall West Midlands Coaching Conference 2013
Three Minute Breathing space
The mindfulness revolution
The mindfulness revolution
What is mindfulness? paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally Jon Kabat-Zinn with curiosity and compassion Not just about the mind: Mind-body-heart-fulness
Elements of mindfulness Being present/paying attention to the present moment Attentional control/intentional focus Acceptance Non-judgement Compassion Observing/metacognition Curiosity & enquiry
Being present Being present
Attentional control Improved cognitive functioning More focus & clarity Better performance & productivity Notice more More resilience
Helicopter view Observer/Witness Mind Metacognition We are not our thoughts (MBCT, CBT/C) Boosts strategic thinking More rational decision-making
Acceptance & Turning towards
Observer s s Mind/ Beginner s mind Curiosity/open-nessness Non-judgement Presence Compassion Creativity Clarity & focus Authenticity Awareness of self/others/world at large Holistic- working with the body, heart/soul and mind Person is whole Self actualisation
Potential areas of tension/difference? Coaching vs. Mindfulness Future-focused Present moment Striving Non-striving/letting go Goal-focused Non goal-orientedoriented Doing Being Seeking to change Accepting what is Attachment Non-attachment Lots of words Lots of silence Client agenda Sense of oneness
Body Scan Just noticing what is, with curiosity, compassion, non-judgment
BENEFITS
Emotional intelligence Self awareness, self management, social awareness & relationship management Helps us be more present, attuned to and resonant with others Emotion regulation
Accentuate the positive Reframe/reappraise positively Generate positive emotions & counter negative emotions
Compassion More altruistic More compassionate to others and ourselves Compassionate coaching approach: clients more likely to learn & make behavioural change
Approach vs avoidance
IMPACT ON BODY & MIND Decreases cortisol, activates the PNS & calms the ANS Boosts the immune system Improves psychological & medical conditions eg. stress, social anxiety, depression,insomnia, phobias, eating disorders, diabetes; CHD; asthma; PMS, chronic pain
Why coaches practise mindfulness Helps them live more in the moment 74% To become more self-aware 73% Manage/prevent stress 67% More present for their client 65% Source: Mindfulness in Coaching (Hall, 2013)
Transforming the coach s practice Self-care & resilience Presence, attunement and resonance heightened EQ better able to attend to relationship & gather/read data More creative and open to possibilities Less judgemental More compassionate
Mindfulness with clients Mindfulness training Coaching for mindfulness Coaching mindfully
COACHES USE MINDFULNESS WITH CLIENTS TO HELP THEM. become more self-aware 70% be calmer/less anxious 59% manage stress 55% be more centred 55% manage reactions/responses 51% improve their wellbeing 46% live more in the moment 43% Source: Mindfulness in Coaching survey (Hall, 2013)
CLIENT ISSUES/OUTCOMES Improvements in Work/life balance Emotional intelligence e.g. self awareness; emotion regulation Stress prevention/management & Wellbeing Resilience Creativity & innovation Clarity & focus Decision-making & strategic thinking Ethical behaviour/more compassionate Authentic leadership/alignment Dealing with change, complexity and ambiguity (becoming more comfortable with not knowing )
The FEEL model (Hall, 2012) F: focus E: explore E: embrace L: let go
F: focus- spotlight on issue/emotion (attentional control) E: explore (enquiry, curiosity, non-judgement) E: embrace (turning towards, non-judgement, compassion, cradling like a baby, acceptance) L: let go (letting go, not grasping or rejecting)
What is your relationship with being, nonnondoing and doing as concepts? How might this impact on your coaching?
How can I introduce mindfulness to clients? Speak their language Weave in mini-practices Highlight the (business) benefits & share the research Stress that a little goes a long way Use the FEEL model
THE MINDFUL MINUTE The Mindful Minute
The Mindful Coach..
1. Commits to regular (daily) mindfulness practice 2. Prepares mindfully before each session- more resourceful & grounded 3. Actively practises mindfulness within session eg if triggered by client 4. Is non-judgemental, compassionate, curious, willing to stay with not knowing & acceptance of what is where appropriate, not overly-attached to outcomes 5. Values inter-connectedness- systemic lens 6. When appropriate, shares mindfulness practices with client eg breath awareness, Mindful Minute, Loving Kindness Meditation.appropriate for range of issues
Will the use of mindfulness grow in coaching over the next 3 years? YES: 75% (Mindfulness in Coaching survey, Hall, 2013)
Resources Mindful coaching: using mindfulness to transform your coaching practice by Liz Hall (Kogan Page) 20% DISCOUNT UNTIL END OF 2013- USE MINDFUL20 code on www.koganpage.com Mindfulness: a practical guide for finding peace in a frantic world by Mark Williams and Danny Penman Wherever you go, there you are by Jon Kabat-Zinn Full catastrophe living by Jon Kabat-Zinn The Mindful workplace by Michael Chaskalson The miracle of mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
Liz Hall s workshops, masterclasses & programmes www.coaching-at-work.com liz@coaching-at-work.com www.lizhallcoaching.com www.mindfulcoaches.org
Thanks to our exhibitors: Thanks to our speakers: W: www.wmemployers.org.uk @WMEmployers.org.uk T: 0845 352 7015 E: coachingpool@wmemployers.org.uk