Coaching

As an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation and the Centro de Estudios del Coaching (CEC), I have supported dozens of coachees around the globe. As a learning professional and a psychologist, I have taken advantage of this development tool, which helps people understand their systems of belief and emotions and how they can change the world around them. My role as an internal coach at the World Bank Group has enabled me to enhance my colleagues' careers and propel them to new heights.

The coaching process is designed to help the coachee tackle a specific challenge (process objective) that is explored in every session (session objective). It is also designed to support clients in gaining insights into how they behave and what emotions drive their behavior. The coach facilitates new learning experiences that enable new actions by asking the right questions and prompting introspection.

After hundreds of coaching sessions on my back, I can say that each coaching process is unique, as coaches bring a wide range of challenges and objectives to the sessions (from family to work issues). However, one thing is common: to create an enabling and confidential environment where clients can open their hearts and minds to embrace change in their lives.

Each coaching session includes three stages:

Session Objective Stage. During this stage, the coachees identify what object or challenge they want to explore during the session. Objectives must be specific and attainable during the session. As a coach, I help clients clarify the objective and understand their goals and design indicators so they can measure the session's success (e.g., how would you know if you have achieved today's objective?).
Discovery Stage. In this stage, clients explore the system of belief that supports their current and desired behavior. I ask powerful questions so clients can reflect on their barriers, resources, perspectives, emotions, and actions. This stage produces critical insights that enable new actions. It is essential to reinforce and celebrate the learnings.
Action Stage. In this last stage, clients design their action plans. Action plans are connected to the insights acquired in the previous stage (e.g., now that you have seen the challenge in a different light, what will you do next?). I support clients in defining a clear and archivable action plan (e.g., when will you do it? How will you measure success?). Clients must implement the action plan between sessions to consolidate their learnings and discover new things.

My coaching experience has been one of the most enriching journeys of my life. During my training, I was able to go through multiple coaching processes myself, learning the ropes while discovering new learning and possibilities for me. I learned a lot about systemic, body, and executive coaching. As a certified coach now, every process is an opportunity to support clients in having a better life. Observing the client's evolution is one of the most fulfilling things you can ever experience.

I will continue to have a couple of ongoing coaching processes and use the coaching tools in my job. Coaching is a potent tool, no matter where you are!