Coaching: a compass that lasts in time…
In a business context, Coaching must bring measurable results: it is important to be able to measure both the results achieved at the end of the journey and the way in which the Coachee has arrived at these results. In fact, during the journey the Coachee is at the helm and learns to “navigate alone” after the coaching relationship is concluded. Our experience has taught us that it is essential to reflect together with the Coachee on the progress made in the past. This means identifying and evaluating the costs and benefits of the choices made. Analysing the choices means understanding from which thought, fear, or conditioning they were generated, thus allowing the Coachee to evaluate which direction to take in the future.
Only in this way, by breaking down and examining the choices, attitudes, and reactions of the past, will it be possible to give space to a new and more effective approach. Our Coaching model (HELM @) is inspired by the Ithaca poem written in 1911 by C. Kavafis. According to Kavafis, “the journey must be full of experiences, it must not be rushed and the arrival must not be premature”. It is important to first “face the demons” of the past to bring success in the future.
Reaching the destination, the island of Ithaca in this case, is not the most important thing. What really matters is the journey necessary to reach it: because it is what we face during the journey that really increases our knowledge and enriches us with new experiences. The application of this thought to the business reality that we live in every day means that, often, we make the mistake of setting important goals thinking that only their achievement can make us satisfied. In fact, once these goals are achieved, we tend to feel disappointed and discontented. This leads us to set new even more challenging goals aiming at much-needed satisfaction but the vicious circle repeats itself … This type of attitude, often conditioned and unconscious, creates stress and frustration and, what is most relevant from a company perspective, it prevents us from giving our best in the workplace by not allowing us to celebrate real successes along the way.
Thanks to our method, the Coachee will learn to recognize the increase in skills and knowledge that occurs along the path towards the goal. At this point, being able to focus on important and measurable priorities and objectives allows the Coachee to become in control in any situation. During the journey the Coachee goes through four fundamental phases for a profound and effective development over time: Listening, Exploration, Observation, Measurement. The four phases can emerge and be addressed in a single session or in several sessions.