Today was day five
(of six)
of Advanced Cognitive Coaching,
and I am struck
by my own capacity
to engage
with such sustained
attention
to the highest level of
nuance
in a coaching conversation.
It reminds me of writing,
in the way
each word matters,
in the way
a writer gets stronger
through practice,
reflection,
and revision.
Feedback offered and received.
We spent the entire day
on the second half
of a problem resolving conversation.
(Day four was the first half.)
I am fascinated by the intentionality of it all,
driven
to sharpen
my edges,
curious
to find just the right
invitation,
opening,
insight.
“You’re _______,
because _________.
You want __________,
and you’re looking for a way
to make that happen.”
Paraphrase here,
but don’t ask questions—
the goal is to move
the coachee forward,
not to dwell in the problem.
Distress to eustress.
Now it’s question time:
Surface those states of mind,
deep structure—
values, beliefs, mental models.
Paraphrase.
Pause.
Listen, listen, listen (always).
Repeat.
How do I know when I’m done?
With the conversation?
Look for evidence
of cognitive shift—
body language
gives it away every time.
With this coach learning?
Never.
I am right there with you. I could take CC a million times and still find something (everything) to work on. I love the “Distress to eustress.” Of this day. This is such a great reminder of the power and intention in these moves captured through the power an intention of your words.
It’s so interesting to learn about this method of coaching through your poem. What a wonderful way to synthesize new information! Now I want to take the course. 🙂
I highly recommend Cognitive Coaching (and Advanced Cognitive Coaching). It has been foundational for my stance as a coach. And as Morgan commented here, there is always a new layer to learn and apply!
I really appreciate the intentionality of your words in this slice and in cognitive coaching. I’m not trained, but I’m hanging onto every word and want to learn more.
Running to School 
I am right there with you. I could take CC a million times and still find something (everything) to work on. I love the “Distress to eustress.” Of this day. This is such a great reminder of the power and intention in these moves captured through the power an intention of your words.
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Thanks, Morgan! Your affinity for this kind of craftsmanship is something I appreciate about you.
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It’s so interesting to learn about this method of coaching through your poem. What a wonderful way to synthesize new information! Now I want to take the course. 🙂
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I highly recommend Cognitive Coaching (and Advanced Cognitive Coaching). It has been foundational for my stance as a coach. And as Morgan commented here, there is always a new layer to learn and apply!
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This sounds fascinating!
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I really appreciate the intentionality of your words in this slice and in cognitive coaching. I’m not trained, but I’m hanging onto every word and want to learn more.
LikeLiked by 1 person