OnTheSoapbox: Human Connections

Three days ago, I entered a conference room at the Hilton, expecting to learn all about coaching. Today, at the end of the course, I feel like I suddenly have a new pair of glasses .... and the world looks pretty darn interesting!

Instead of getting a coaching bag of tricks, we were put on a journey of self-discovery, a journey about CONNECTING with other human beings. We learned about (and practised) the different levels of listening, about focusing on the other person and not "ME"; we tried out being genuinely curious; we learned from each other; we taught each other; we laughed; we cried; we embraced what it means to be human and to recognise the human being in others, in everyone.

I hadn't realised how much I had put myself and others "in the box," affixing labels to all. And labelling people doesn't work, because we're all different and react differently in different situations.

Personally, one of the most important lessons learned was "being in the moment," especially in a coaching situation. Being in the moment means that one's focus is on the here and now and what the other person is communicating (notice I say "communicating" because much can be said non-verbally too). Being in the moment makes true listening much easier because one is not distracted by the past or the what if's of the future or that annoying little voice that jabbers on in one's head.

Being in the moment is HARD! But when it does happen, the connection is incredible. Arrrgh .... this is so hard to put into words.

I'm just so glad to have had the opportunity to attend the co-active coaching course. Gotta love this journey!

OK, getting giddily (and somewhat incoherently) off the soapbox now :-)