Tag: diversity

Six diverse businesspeople gathered in modern board room, different age ethnicity workers listen african woman coach tell about strategy, reporting using flip chart. Training and negotiations concept

It’s lonely being "the only"

 

How we define ourselves is shaped by our beliefs and values and ultimately drives what we think, say and do.  These internal narratives that stream through our minds are influenced by our experiences throughout our lifetime; the way we relate to the world around us. From the relationships we have, the choices we make as well as how others interact and engage, these powerful stories remain with us, every day.

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Six diverse businesspeople gathered in modern board room, different age ethnicity workers listen african woman coach tell about strategy, reporting using flip chart. Training and negotiations concept

How Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Drive Personal and Organizational Growth from a Coaching Perspective

Six diverse businesspeople gathered in modern board room, different age ethnicity workers listen african woman coach tell about strategy, reporting using flip chart. Training and negotiations concept

Our world is more interconnected than ever before, and the importance of embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the workplace - and in life - cannot be overstated. Immediately the teachings of Napoleon Hill, Zig Ziggler, and Tony Robbins come to mind, extending beyond success principles to embrace the significance of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. In this reflection, we will explore each of the DEIB principles from a coaching perspective, and how they can drive individual and organizational growth.

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Coaching Through the Lens of Diversity

Recently, I was talking with a new coaching client.  It was a usual intake meeting where we were getting to know each other and exploring ways in which coaching may enhance their life. We were about 40 minutes into the conversation when I realized the new client had not used any traditional pronouns while speaking about themselves or others.

A moment of decision; a time when a coach needs to determine the next step or the next question.  What do you do in that moment? Wait for the next session and determine the right approach? Or, remain curious and courageous and ask a difficult and direct question in that moment?

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Embracing Diversity in YOUR Coaching

With 2020 behind us, social protests and politics remain with us as we continue to struggle living through a pandemic. What we say and do, continues to define us and our legacy as coaches and continues to shape the impact we have on others. Therein lies both the challenge and the opportunity.

Coaches must re-address their coach approach through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in every coaching exchange - adapting and evolving their mindset and presence to their client’s needs. Coaches need to embody the ICF competencies with a laser focus on building DEIB awareness, knowledge, and discipline to be an effective and empathetic coach.

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Diversity in Coaching

I played the oboe for years.  Beginning in primary school and through college, I practiced and practiced, joining the band, the wind ensemble, a church group and even formed a professional trio with a flute and clarinet.  Now you may wonder why I open a piece on Coaching with my musical skills?  Simple.  When I was seeking out a music coach, I searched for someone who understood me – and who understood the oboe – and the distinctive value of the double-reed instrument.  Not someone who played drums, not a tuba teacher, but a skilled musician that believed in the beauty and joy of the unusual oboe and related to the unique needs and challenges of the oboist.

It is the same with any coaching, whether it be leadership coaching, career coaching, or life coaching.  A client brings their unique perspectives – their differences – to every coaching session.  Hence, a coach must see their client, hear their client, and truly understand their client, all while respecting their own perspectives and honoring the coaching process.  This is embracing diversity in coaching.

Why is diversity important in coaching?  To be an effective and present coach, we must seek to understand the client within their context.  A client’s context that may include their identity, environment, experiences, values, culture, and beliefs. 

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