Barnabas File

Life coaching is a complex and evolving field of personal development.     I was recently contacted by a friend who did his coach training a decade ago.     He was considering reengaging in the field and asked about emerging topics in coaching.     This is a topic that often comes up with our coaches-in-training as well.   So, this is my top ten list.  It is not based on a survey and the areas are not necessarily new or novel, but they are prominent topics that I encounter on coaching websites, in chat rooms, and in webinars.   Positive Psychology   Neuroscience Mindfulness   Somatic coaching Cross-Cultural Engagement DEIB-- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Team and Group Dynamics—not the same Artificial Intelligence and Coaching Neurodiversity-Affirming Coaching Faith-based or Spiritual Coaching   There are other topics that surface often:  Trauma-Informed Coaching; Climate, Eco-Anxiety, and Sustainab...

At some point, I discovered that you learn more by teaching than by being a student in a course.  For three years, colleague Beth Kennett and I have taught an Introduction to Coaching class as part of Summit Coach Training from Pinnacle.   In teaching, I have rediscovered at least ten concepts that I think every coach should remember.    The client is central.  Coaching is really all about the client. The client sets the agenda, and the coach provides the process.  If you have any concerns about what to ask or how to proceed, ask yourself, “Does this serve the client?” Coaching is really a partnership.  It is a collaborative activity.  Bob Dale spoke about coach and client as “thought partners.”  It is a partnership that fosters creativity on the part of client and learning on the part of the coach. You are not a “fixer.”  Many of us who are coaches come from backgrounds where we were problem-solve...