Writing As A Coaching Tool
Writing is a practical tool to use when being coached or coaching. Writing your ideas down on paper is very simple and accessible action. Just by picking up a pen or pencil, you can write a word, phrase or main idea down to help you remember it later or record it for use later in a journal entry, exercise or a writing piece. Here is a list of five ways that you might use writing in a coaching session:
KEEPING A JOURNAL: Writiing in a journal, in any form, or on any schedule, is a well-known way to record your thoughts and other important information. When working with a resource person, such as a coach or a therapist, writing between sessions not only deepens the impact of your session, but expands your understanding of the information you received in your last session. Writing in your journa, for any reason, acts as a catalyst for change on many levels. For example, when I journal regularly, I start to feel restless about doing my housework. I’m more open to decluttering my living space during this time, than at any other. Sometimes you may not notice the changes, until much later on. But, when you start journaling you are giving yourself permission to start the process of positive change in your life.
KEEPING RECORDS: A coach relies on writing to keep business records and notes about her clients. Reviewing these notes helps her to keep current with her clients’ needs and goals. Periodically reviewing this information with her client, will help both coach and client to adjust the direction of their coaching sessions as needed. Thes same reviews will also help her client to clarify what changes have occurred where and what changes are still waiting to be made.
KEEPING FUN IN MIND: Writing can be fun. You can use writing to give your creativity lots of space for expression. You don’t have to share any of this with anyone. You can enjoy it just for yourself or you can share part or all of this information with someone that you trust. How can you have fun in your journal?
1) You can create a separate persona. You can create a persona that represents any part of yourself and then have a dialogue with that persona, as if you were sitting across the table having coffee with that persona.
2) You can create a mini-collage. This type of collage is more compact, focused and more efficient than spending a whole afternoon creating a larger collage. Just collect some pictures, paper, glue and tape, or whatever materials you like to work with. Choose a topic and create a simple collage in about 15 minutes. It’s fast, easy, fun and creative. It’s a great creative mini-break during a busy day.
3) Write a list of activities that make you smile. For example, I love to talk to my pet birds, just to see how they respond to my voice. I love to sit and watch the view outside my window, when I need a break from writing. Finally, fixing a cup of tea with a snack always makes me smile and keeps me from becoming too hungry between meals.
4) You can write about the future. You can create a picture of your work dreams or other goals in your journal. You can plan, problem-solve and dream about your future job, partner or living space. As you continue to journal about your dreams, you are giving your brain ideas to work on, when you return to your regular daily work.
KEEPSAKE: You can create a blank journal as a gift, for a fellow writing friend or journaler. You can create one from scratch or add additional decorations, quotes or even an introductory entry to a blank book from a store. Either way, it’s the thought that counts. Your friend will really enjoy having a new blank book to write in, as soon as her current journal is full. Journalers can never have enough blank books in waiting.
For additional reading and journaling exercises please click on the following links:
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