DB - Week 1
C/M = Coach/Mentor
There is no C/M way or client way. Exchanging information for discussion, agree or disagree that does not make it right or wrong. Everyone has different opinions and ideas and to be able to express those two things in a way that helps develop growth in the area needed without being overbearing or forceful is essential in learning professionally and personally. The concept of putting yourself in the client’s shoes and hopefully the client will put themselves in your shoes to see that the results which C/M client achieved are the most effective way(s) to grow and conquer.
Listening actively is most critical. When the C/M is an active listener, the following can develop and help the C/M relationship grow to be effective in personal and professional transformation. When a client first enters the C/M relationship the C/M should allow the client to talk honestly and openly. Actively listening is crucial because the C/M gets to know the client. When the roles are reversed the C/M is giving information back to the client which is true, then client may become more relaxed because s/he feels the C/M has listened and is able to repeat back matters in a different way. In professional terms this may be labeled as filtering information out that is relevant and needs elaborating on to gradually refine options based on facts, experiences, and expertise.
As stated in the book, active listening serves a dual purpose. My opinion, it serves more than a dual purpose. One should put all effort into the C/M relationship. If there are weaknesses, build strength. If there is fear, get the client to openly discuss those fears and produce measurable goals to help conquer those fears. In the professional client relationship, if there are inadequacies get the client to express the limitations hindering s/he from progressing and get the client to realize there are help aids of all sorts available in today’s time to help with those limitations (ex: YouTube explains every problem from technology to basic reading). If it’s personal, get the client to talk about why s/he keeps making the same mistakes or traveling the low road when the high road is available. Together the C/M and client will find the vehicle that will take them there. The result of listening is most effective when you take a client from doom and gloom to laughter and satisfaction. When a client can walk with his/her head high and shoulders squared that’s satisfaction. When there is a smile, a glow to his/her face instead of the look of hopelessness then that’s satisfaction. When you know and the client know they can look in the mirror and say I was once defeated but now I am a conqueror, ready for the challenge and be challenged because the client knows this for fact, then the C/M job has been well performed.