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...

In my work with the Summit Coach Training, I teach several times a year.  Most of our coaches-in-training are people with experience in the helping professions—clergy, therapists, social workers.  In a recent class made up of pastoral leaders, an idea emerged that I found invaluable.   First, some background.  In coaching, we teach that people are smart.  Our clients know more about their problems than the coach does.  They are unique individuals with various gifts, talents, and experiences that they can draw upon.  They can make decisions and pursue their goals.  The role of the coach is not to solve the client’s problems, but to help each client ascertain what they want to accomplish, what resources they have to get there, identify barriers and how they might be overcome, and celebrate their achievements.   As we were coaching around challenges that our class members face, we realized that taking a coachin...

Coaching—executive coaching, life coaching, leadership coaching—is relatively new, but the impact of coaches in both personal and professional life has been significant.    Coaches have a certain "soft skill" DNA. The best candidates are typically professionals in "people-centric" fields who have already shown an ability to encourage and develop others.    I suggest that there are seven types of individuals who may be ready for coach training and have the potential to use those skills effectively with others.      1.          Clergy leader.      Pastoral leaders are called to do many things, but one that cannot be neglected is the development of others in the Christian faith.    These people may be staff or lay members of the congregation.    In Ephesians, we are reminded, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors a...

When I began coaching, my colleague Mark Tidsworth introduced me to the concept of “positive psychology.”  I have come to appreciate how this approach, pioneered by Martin Seligman and others, can enrich and inform my coaching.   Basically, positive psychology is like the "glass half full" approach to understanding people. Instead of just focusing on what's wrong with us, it's all about what makes us feel good and live a good life.   Think of it this way:   It's not just about fixing problems:  It's about figuring out what makes us happy and how to get more of that. It's about our strengths:  Instead of dwelling on our weaknesses, it looks at what we're good at and how we can use those things. Happy feelings matter:  It looks at why feeling things like joy and gratitude are important. Getting lost in the moment is good:  That feeling when you're totally absorbed in something you love? That's important for feeling good. Friends are key:  Good ...

Effective coaches are on a journey—not only to improve their skills but to understand themselves.     In so doing, they can increase the quality of coaching they offer to their clients.    One way to do this is to identify and strengthen their own level of social and emotional intelligence.   The connection between coaching and social and emotional intelligence (SEIP) is profound and multifaceted. Emotional intelligence is not just a desirable trait for a coach; it's a fundamental skill that underpins effective coaching and drives positive outcomes for clients.   Social and Emotional Intelligence provides a strong foundation for effective coaching in several ways. Building Trust and Rapport: SEIP, particularly empathy and social skills, allows coaches to create a safe, open, and trusting environment where clients feel understood and comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities. This rapport is crucial for a successful coaching relationship. Unde...

You never know what responses you will get when sharing your opinions on a blog.  On my blog—Barnabas File-- I write about things that interest me or get my attention.  Occasionally, they get someone else’s attention, too. In reviewing my posts for the past year, these received the greatest response.   1.   The Church is in Decline:  What a Great Opportunity for the Church!   In this blog, I encouraged churches to get back to the basics—to love God and to love one’s neighbor.  I noted the decline of disciple formation and spiritual practices in churches, but concluded in this way:   Even so, in these days, I see signs of hope for the people of God.  I talk with pastors who love engaging the Word of God and sharing it with their people.   I meet lay leaders who are bright, creative, and open to new ways of doing church.  I work with seminary students--many mid-career folks--who see new opportun...

  “Can I be a coach without getting a coaching credential?”  I receive this question from time to time, and the answer is, “Yes.”  There are many gifted individuals doing coaching who do not have recognized coach training or a credential.  I suggest the better question is, “Can I be a  really good  coach without getting a coaching credential?”  My answer here is, “No.”  Why do I say that?   First, most of the coaches I know have natural gifts that lead these individuals to become coaches—a personal commitment to their own growth, a sense of calling to help others, and good relational skills.  Coach training builds on these natural gifts to lead the coach to the next level—beyond competence to excellence.   Second, although I rarely have a potential client ask me about my training or credential, having those “under my belt” gives me a greater sense of confidence in my coaching.  I have a strong...

In our coaching and coach training, our focus is usually on the partnership between the coach and the client.     In this process, the coach leads the process with the client providing the agenda—the subject for discussion, resource discovery, action plans, and achievement.    In a recent online presentation, Professor Peter Hawkins suggested a new perspective for the coaching relationship. His presentation on “From Ego to Eco Coaching:  Creating Value Beyond the Client” offered a challenge to place the coaching relationship in a larger context.  How can the coaching relationship benefit the organization, society and the world?   Hawkins outlines the change in perspective in this way:   For the coach it means moving “from facing the person you are coaching as your client, to going shoulder to shoulder with them as your partner, jointly facing what their world of tomorrow is asking them to step up to.”   For the coach and client, the...

Pinnacle Leadership Associates is launching Summit Coach Training this month.  This course on "Introduction to Coaching" will be of interest to both those seeking coaching certification and leaders wanting to enhance their skills.  Click here for video

Coaching in various forms is increasing, so it is getting more attention.  This means that change is at hand.  In a recent blog, Edmée Schalkx addressed “Trends in Coaching2017-2022” and specifically noted what this means for users and coaches. As one who believes both in the effectiveness of coaching and its usefulness in religious settings, I suggest what these changes in coaching means for those of us who work with churches. First, faith communities will recognize that they need trained coaches.  Churches, judicatories, and other faith-based institutions will discover that coaching promotes retention, provides focus, and maximizes use of resources.  With less to work with, coaching will increase the impact of the work of faith-based organizations in all areas of ministry. Second, seminaries will give more attention to teaching coaching skills and integrating coaching into the curriculum. Seminaries and church related colleges will...