Taking Play Seriously in Coaching

Reading Time: < 1 minute

I’m currently researching play in coaching as part of a Master’s programme and have been surrounding myself with the work of some amazing play theorists and researchers. I’ve

been blown away by how much work on play has been done over the past decades showing the wide range benefits of play and yet many of the organisations I’ve encountered over my life have failed to harness the benefits. The same is arguably true of the coaching profession despite some great research over the past number of years.

Anyway, I just thought that I would share some thought-provoking quotes over the coming months as I progress along this journey. Today, I’ve chosen Donald Winnicott. I’ve been a fan of his work but only came Playing and Reality a couple of months back. Like all his work, it is strewn with pearls of wisdom. For me, the following quote really resonates and I keep coming back to it. Not only is it influencing my work but also how I turn up in the world.

“It is in playing and only in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self” (Donald Winnicott – Playing and Reality).

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

Taking Play Seriously in Coaching

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

About the Author: Tom O'Leary - Empowering Leaders to Be Curious