asking permission

One of the most important techniques the coach uses to remind clients that THEY ARE IN CHARGE of the coaching direction is to ask permission...

" May we work this issue?"

"Can I tell you what I see"

"Would you like some feedback on that?"

When the coach asks permission, it demonstrates that the clients have power in the relationship. It demonstrates too, that the coach knows the limits of his or her power in the relationship.

Asking permission is a sign of self-management on the coach's part that allows clients to take responsibility for managing the relationship and their work.

Clients are honored when you ask permission - as the boundaries are respected! Especially if the issue you would like to work on is unusually intimate or may make clients uncomfortable.

Source: Laura Whitworth and Philip Sandahl - Co-Active Coaching