Childhood stories and Coaching

Childhood stories are fun to listen to when we hear them ... meaning of some of those stories is understood much later...

Just came across a childhood story which I’m sure all of you have read or heard. As I was hearing it again, I had a ‘lightbulb’ moment!! I was trying to comprehend some aspects of coaching on my journey to gain mastery in coaching and this story knocked some meaning in my head...

This is a story of two cranes and a tortoise who were best of friends. They all lived happily near a lake. The problem used to be in summer when the cranes would fly away to find another lake with plenty of water.... one summer as they were leaving they said to the tortoise,”We wish you could join us - it’s such a brilliant place out there and not only that - even the journey is beautiful”. As one crane said it, other one had an idea”AHA”he said,”we can take you there. I’ve an idea. We will both hold a stick between us. You hold that stick tightly in your mouth as we fly - but be careful- don’t open your mouth which would be a disaster!!”

Tortoise was overjoyed and readily agreed. The two cranes found out a strong enough twig which would take the weight of the tortoise and they set off as per their plan. Most of the journey was ok and tortoise was really enjoying the new experience of flying!!

As they came near the lake, the view was simply breathtaking and tortoise couldn’t resist saying “ah! What a beautiful place” ......yes ... and that of course was the end of the journey.....

Many a times in coaching our client takes us on a beautiful journey and he/she is in a ‘zone’. This is the time where a coach needs to understand the importance of silence. Silence is the best way to be present there as the coach. This is a delicate moment when coach sometimes gets overwhelmed with his/her own emotion and feels compelled to say something- that’s precisely the tortoise moment. If you understand the real meaning of coach presence, it is never about you or your feelings as a coach - if you are tuned in with active listening you will enjoy your client’s journey keeping your mouth shut!!