Coaching through the Transitions

Many coaches are fond of the phrase 'I can't change the wind, but I can adjust the sails.'

Deal with obstacles directly as they arise 

and oftentimes you will find that they add excitement to the journey 

and are rich opportunities for growth.

~Gary Collins

*****

Name 2 challenging transitions that people often go through at some point in their lives and explain how a coach would help individuals through such transitions. Using those 2 examples, write specifically about what you would do to help someone move on past those transitions.


Transition is a normal part of everyone’s life, but sometimes a coach is able to make those transitions easier for the person. As Collins (2009) says, “life coaching is about improving life” and it is the coach’s job to “[coach] people through transitions and [enable] clients to find more balance in their lives” (pg. 238).

Using Hudson’s Four Phases of Change (Collins, 2009, pg. 243), I could help the client who is struggling to decide on higher education. During Phase 1, the client would list the university options and pros and cons for each place, as well as listing his interests, mission, and passions. In Phase 2, I would be sure to encourage my client’s enthusiasm for learning, and remind him of his commitment and purpose to gaining further education (Collins, 2009). Phase 3 would entail planning for financial and travel resources to attend the university, as well as much time spent in prayer. Action steps and accountability would ensure that my client chose one university. Phase 4 would see the client creating and experimenting with all the travel and financial options, networking to gain contacts with the university and other students, and prioritizing his current life to start university in the near future (Collins, 2009). Each of these phases is important in seeking the will of God for this client, while ensuring their interests and passions are included as they seek higher education.

I would help a person who is having difficulty finding an enjoyable job by using the same four phases. During Phase 1, I would assist and encourage my client in listing his talents, gifts, interests, passions, and values. In Phase 2, the client would re-evaluate his dream and inform his boss about his decision to find a new job in the near future (Collins, 2009). This phase would also include my client creating and sending out resumes to different companies. Phase 3 would entail prayer and seeking the Lord’s will for his life, taking into consideration the mission and passions God has given him. Also, actions steps would be taken to prepare financially and perhaps geographically in order to enter into a better job. Additionally, I would encourage my client to resign from his current job. Phase 4 would see my client moving to a different house (if necessary) and beginning his new job. I would stay in contact with him to make sure he transitions smoothly into his new routine. He would be creating and experimenting with daily schedules, networking with people in the workplace (boss, co-workers, customers), as well as learning to prioritize his other activities around his work schedule (Collins, 2009).

I would make sure to encourage both clients during these types of transitions to seek the Lord’s will through each step, explaining that He directs each individual according to their passions, mission, gifts, and calling in life. It would be my job to come alongside them and provide them with direction, asking powerful questions, and supporting them through prayer.

Reference: 
Collins, G.R. (2009) Christian coaching: Helping others turn potential into reality. (2nd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: NAV Press. 

*****

We exist to praise God--to love, honor, and serve him--but coaching might be one of the tools he has allowed us to discover and use to be more effectie in honoring him and ministering to others. Coaching can be used to his glory provided we remember that coaching, including coaching across cultures, is a tool to accomplish greater divine purposes.

~Gary Collins

This was the last assignment I wrote for the Life Coaching discussion posts. Throughout this course I learned much about God, myself, and about what Life Coaching really entails, and as one who has been coached for several years through CollegePlus, I definitely was able to learn and apply some of the principles. And though the assignments I've posted are not representative of all that was taught and learned, I hope they are able to give you a small taste of what coaching really is. Coaching is a work God has called some of us to, whether short-term or long-term. And in coaching others we, as Christians, are given the opportunity to minister and lead others in the paths God has called them to.

God bless you all!