Chapter 4 - EMPOWERING THE CLIENT

Question 1

Who was the first African American to play Major League Baseball?

Answer 1

Jackie Robinson

Signed by Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey in 1945.

Question 2

What advice did Branch Rickey give Jackie Robinson?

Answer 2

Turn the other cheek

Rickey warned Robinson that he would face considerable racist hatred.

Question 3

What moment uplifted Jackie Robinson during a difficult game?

Answer 3

Pee Wee Reese’s encouragement

Reese told Robinson he believed in him and predicted he would go into the Hall of Fame.

Question 4

Define empowerment in the context of coaching.

Answer 4

Clients discover, claim, and stand by their own power

Coaches create a climate that encourages this process.

Question 5

What is the role of a coach in the empowerment process?

Answer 5

Create a climate that encourages clients to be powerful

Coaches help clients identify blocks to their internal power.

Question 6

What analogy is used to describe obstacles in life coaching?

Answer 6

Boulders in a whitewater rafting trip

Obstacles cannot always be avoided; the key is not to get stuck.

Question 7

How does Robert Hargrove define masterful coaching?

Answer 7

Empowering people to create a future they truly desire

Based on unearthing what they passionately care about.

Question 8

What is the difference between power and force in coaching?

Answer 8

Power comes from within; force is aggressive

Claiming personal power does not mean becoming forceful.

Question 9

What does Carl Jung’s shadow archetype represent in coaching?

Answer 9

Unrealized strengths, gifts, and abilities

Coaches help clients uncover these hidden resources.

Question 10

What is the desired outcome of a coaching session?

Answer 10

Clients feel more capable, competent, empowered, and clear

Sessions should boost self-esteem and motivation.

Question 11

What major obstacles prevent clients from achieving their potential?

Answer 11

Inner critics, gremlins, and internal voices

These challenge clients’ belief in themselves.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: The major block to creativity is the _______.

Answer 12

inner critic

This critic incorporates standards of perfection from the outside world.

Question 13

What happens when courage and creativity are released, according to Julia Cameron?

Answer 13

Energy builds and creates its own momentum

This energy attracts support for projects.

Question 14

What are the signs that a coaching session is effective?

Answer 14

Heightened motivation and increased energy

Clients feel more empowered to take action.

Question 15

When do coaches focus on empowering clients?

Answer 15

When clients are discouraged or encounter obstacles

Coaches help clients recognize and leverage their strengths.

Question 16

List the six types of conversations described by Ellis.

Answer 16

• Sharing
• Debriefing
• [additional types to be included in the next flashcards]

Each type serves a different purpose in coaching.

Question 17

What is the purpose of sharing in a coaching conversation?

Answer 17

To communicate the essence of who you are and how you feel

Sharing is a heartfelt snapshot that creates connection.

Question 18

What is the difference between sharing and debriefing?

Answer 18

Sharing is about the present moment; debriefing is about past actions

Debriefing summarizes what has occurred since the last session.

Question 19

What is the difference between sharing and debriefing?

Answer 19

Sharing is about who someone is in the moment, while debriefing is a detailed report of what someone has been doing since the last session.

Debriefing answers the who, what, where, when, and how questions.

Question 20

What are the benefits of debriefing for clients?

Answer 20

• Learn from recent history
• Forgive mistakes and celebrate successes
• Set goals

Debriefing helps clients review what worked and what didn’t.

Question 21

How can clients debrief?

Answer 21

• With significant others
• In private (journaling, tape recording)
• Talking out loud to themselves

Regular debriefing can be encouraged.

Question 22

What is the purpose of clearing in conversation?

Answer 22

Clearing is a release of feelings, allowing clients to express emotions about a topic until they feel relieved.

Clearing is not intended as catharsis; it’s about expressing and releasing.

Question 23

What distinguishes discussion and debate from dialogue?

Answer 23

Discussion and debate focus on expressing views and opinions, while dialogue aims for deeper understanding and flowing through ideas.

David Bohm contrasted these concepts, emphasizing the importance of listening in dialogue.

Question 24

What should be the focus in a coaching context during discussion and debate?

Answer 24

The focus should be on creating deeper thinking rather than determining right or wrong.

Coaches should remain open-minded and playful during debates.

Question 25

What is the essence of teaching in a coaching context?

Answer 25

Teaching occurs when one shares knowledge with the intention of helping others learn, but it should be approached cautiously in coaching. ## Footnote Coaches should clarify when they shift into teaching mode.

Question 26

What defines a coaching conversation?

Answer 26

A coaching conversation explores what clients want in the future and how to achieve it without giving or receiving advice. ## Footnote This type of conversation focuses on transformation and new actions.

Question 27

What is the first skill for empowering clients?

Answer 27

Focusing on Strengths ## Footnote This involves helping clients recognize and articulate their strengths while addressing weaknesses.

Question 28

How does acknowledging and endorsing clients benefit them?

Answer 28

It helps clients feel recognized for their qualities and accomplishments, boosting their motivation and energy. ## Footnote Acknowledgment should be specific and focused on deeper qualities.

Question 29

What does it mean for a coach to 'stand for' their clients?

Answer 29

It means advocating for clients' goals and desires, reminding them of their potential and dreams. ## Footnote This support can sustain clients’ energy and focus.

Question 30

What is the role of reframing in coaching?

Answer 30

Reframing involves changing the perspective on a situation to create new meanings and possibilities. ## Footnote This helps clients see challenges in a different light.

Question 31

What does it mean to stand for a client in coaching?

Answer 31

It means to sustain clients’ energy and focus, calling forth their latent creativity, and supporting their dreams and desires. ## Footnote Standing for involves reminding clients of what they want and affirming their ability to achieve it.

Question 32

Define reframing in the context of coaching.

Answer 32

Reframing is putting something in a new frame to offer a different perspective, helping clients consider new possibilities for their current stories. ## Footnote It involves shifting clients’ attention to a new perspective or view.

Question 33

What is the risk associated with using a specific reframe that works well?

Answer 33

It can become a cliché, losing its power and effectiveness. ## Footnote An example is the phrase 'reframe problem into opportunity' often used in business.

Question 34

How can a coach avoid making a reframe a cliché?

Answer 34

By finding unique ways to reframe and not relying on overused phrases or concepts. ## Footnote This ensures the reframe remains powerful and relevant.

Question 35

What is the concept of meta-view in coaching?

Answer 35

Meta-view is taking a big-picture perspective on a situation, providing clients with a broader understanding of their issues. ## Footnote It helps in reframing the client's experience.

Question 36

How can perspective taking assist clients in coaching?

Answer 36

It allows clients to generate multiple frames or perspectives, expanding their options and understanding of their situations. ## Footnote This can involve activities like drawing diagrams or asking reflective questions.

Question 37

What does the phrase 'never make the client wrong' mean in coaching?

Answer 37

It means to support the client's agenda without imposing the coach's perspective or judgment, fostering a non-judgmental environment. ## Footnote This aligns with Carl Rogers’s concept of unconditional positive regard.

Question 38

What is the role of possibility thinking in coaching?

Answer 38

It involves exploring alternatives and potential solutions with clients, helping them to see beyond their habitual thinking and acting patterns. ## Footnote This can lead clients to recognize blocks they have been living with.

Question 39

What is shadow coaching?

Answer 39

Shadow coaching is the process of reviewing a coaching call with a trusted mentor or buddy coach to gain perspective and identify personal blocks. ## Footnote It is part of reflective practice to enhance coaching skills.

Question 40

Fill in the blank: Reframing helps clients see issues as _______ rather than failures.

Answer 40

opportunity

Question 41

True or False: The use of clichés in reframing is encouraged in coaching.

Answer 41

False

Question 42

What can a coach ask to help shift a client's perspective?

Answer 42

Questions like 'What would your role model do in this situation?' or 'What will be important about this situation 10 years from now?' ## Footnote These questions encourage deeper reflection and consideration of alternative viewpoints.

Question 43

What is the importance of maintaining a variety of coaching tools?

Answer 43

Using a wide range of tools supports the coach in being adaptable and masterful, avoiding over-reliance on a single technique. ## Footnote It enhances the effectiveness of the coaching process.