BITE THREE
5 MIN READ
NAVIGATING ROADBLOCKS IN COACHING
How do we support our coachees to prepare in advance for the roadblocks that might turn up and block their progress? If we can crack this nut, we are setting them up for a much greater chance of success. Short of a crystal ball though, how do we do this? How can we possible know what’s up ahead. It’s easier than you think if you are armed with the most helpful questions.
So your coachee has found their DIRECTION. They know where they are and where they want to go. We are now in the second stage of the COACHING MASTERY FRAMEWORK. However, before your coachee jumps straight into action, support them to take a beat and delve into a bit of strategy first. What will they do when they hit a road block? As sure as eggs, they will hit a roadblock, so use the NAVIGATION model below to support strategic thinking.
“You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge”
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY ‘INTERNAL’ and ‘EXTERNAL’?
When it comes to roadblocks, there are really two kind that show up. The internal kind, and the external kind. Our NAVIGATION model is about naming the potential roadblocks that will arise within these two domains.
As the one and only Dr. Phil says, ‘You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge’. So let’s be clear on what’s really in the way.
‘External’ roadblocks are the kind that exist outside of ourselves. The ones above the surface. Things like budget restraints, time, lack of resources, authority, competing priorities. And while we may have less control of these then our internal roadblocks, a little strategic planning about managing these can go a long way.
The ‘Internal’ kind of roadblocks are the ones that come from inside of us. They are usually below the surface. Things like fear, (mostly fear) doubt, fixed mindset or negative self-talk. These ugly elements wreak havoc in the human psyche. But really, even though they can feel big, brought into the light of day, and given proper perspective, a lot of the time, they aren’t as debilitating as they seem*.
(*PLEASE NOTE: This is not the case in matters relating to mental illness. Internal roadblocks that are persistent and overwhelming may indicate your coachee is suffering from a mental illness. In this case, support your coachee to seek medical care. If you are worried that one of your coachees may have a mental illness and would like support to support them, visit Beyond Blue)
Without day light and proper perspective though, roadblocks can feel scary and overwhelming. As coaches, we need some resources at our disposal to support our coachees to navigate the roadblocks that might crop up.
Now, to apply this model, let’s keep things nice and simple. First, name the roadblocks, then come up with a plan to lessen them, should they arise. Let’s check out the steps in a nutshell.
NAVIGATION IN A NUTSHELL
COACHING PROCESS TO ‘NAVIGATE’ ROADBLOCKS
Support your coachee to identify their roadblocks. Download the INTERNAL / EXTERNAL worksheet and invite them to complete it.
Discuss the reality of the roadblocks they name. Are they a significant risk, or not? Are they a reality, or a story in their head that may be inaccurate? Is your coachee overplaying or underplaying their impact?
Work with your coachee to create a strategic plan and write this up in the ROADBLOCK RISK PLAN worksheet.
Keep a copy of this plan for you and the coachee to refer back to should they experience any of these roadblocks during the action stage of coaching.
There you have it, stage two in the COACHING MASTERY FRAMEWORK: NAVIGATION. There’s a lot to digest in this weeks session, so take the time to reflect on your learnings and keep referring back to the framework and resources we provide you.
Remember, the COACHING TOOL BOX page is there as a one-stop location for all the resources, so become acquainted with this part of the website. The best way to learn is to dive in, so if you haven’t already, get started with your coaching sessions and learn by doing.