5.16 How Might I Think About Client Narratives?

Humans tell stories. We have stories for everything and they are told in a particular way for a particular reason. So when a client or indeed any acquaintance tells you a story the invitation is to ask yourself these questions:

(1) What does this story [really] say?

(2) How and why was this story told?

(3) What am I, the coach, hearing in this story?

(4) What am I not hearing (gaps = liminal space)?

5.16 How might I think about client narratives

Next: 5.17 To What Extent Are We What We Practice?

Programme Overview

I have the privilege of being part of an amazing peer-support group that meets every two weeks with one purpose: “to support our development as coaches!”

And yet, as we grow as coaches, we are also called on to do an incredible amount of inner work. Our mission has thus evolved to be: “to support each other as humans and as friends!”

The accompanying content was developed to support this process and has served as inspiration. The hope is that this content may inspire other coaches to set up their own peer-support groups or that it may serve in some other fashion. It is not intended to be the last word on anything!

Tom’s innate ability to listen and empathise enabled me to relax and really explore the issues that were causing me some anxiety. Our sessions provided me with an enhanced sense of self-awareness and a considered plan of action. The benefits in terms of relationships and self-confidence this process has given me are invaluable, in both work and life in general!

Testimonial from Sean

I went for coaching with Tom, without knowing what I wanted but knowing that I needed some help after having a number of setbacks with interviews. By the end of the first session, I was beginning to realise my problems. By the end of the second session, I was beginning to realise what I wanted. In our final two sessions, Tom helped me to identify a strategy for achieving my goals.
I thoroughly enjoyed our sessions. Tom listened without judgement, guided without being opinionated and ultimately helped me to help myself. You can’t ask more from a coach.

Testimonial from Paul

I didn’t think I had a specific need for a coach, however, having met Tom outside of our professional roles we decided to set up a coaching programme. I’m delighted we did. Tom’s approach is based on taking it slow, listening first and asking questions you won’t have thought of second. The latter always result in positive actions to take away and implement immediately. Now, I’m really looking forward to continuing our working relationship.

Testimonial from James Crothall, Account Director at AMO DIGITAL

I’ve been catching up with Tom for now, over three years. It is a moment where I’m able to create space away from the noise and the busyness of my life to really tackle whatever is top of my mind. This can be on the professional side and can be on my personal side. My conversations with Tom are really conversations we have dialogues that we have, and a walk away from these meetings with clarity around ideas of how to convey pragmatically and practically tackle some of the challenges and the issues which I wanted to discuss with Tom. But I think more importantly, with a greater degree of confidence in my ability to solve for these topics. I’ve been really enjoying my catch up with Tom I hope to continue to do so in the future and I highly recommend anybody to give it a go.

Testimonial from Tommaso

Testimonial from Sean, Ireland

Testimonial from Paul, Ireland