Co-Active Coaching: Changing Business, Transforming Lives by Henry Kimsey-House & Karen Kimsey-House & Phillip Sandahl & Laura Whitworth

Author:Henry Kimsey-House & Karen Kimsey-House & Phillip Sandahl & Laura Whitworth [Kimsey-House, Henry]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Published: 2010-12-15T05:00:00+00:00

Brainstorming

There are times when even good intentions and strong desire can be stalled by a simple shortage of ideas for action. Yes, of course, clients have the answers, as we have said, but sometimes it may be necessary to prime the pump. That’s where the skill of brainstorming comes in. Brainstorming is a creative collaboration between client and coach with the sole purpose of generating ideas, possibilities, and options. The client will sort through the pile of ideas that are generated and pick the ones that have the most appeal.

There are a couple of ground rules that will make brainstorming work effectively. The first is that there are no bad ideas. Don’t worry too much about practicality at the brainstorming stage. In fact, as coach, part of your role is to suggest out-of-the-box ideas and outrageous possibilities. Clients tend to propose ideas they have already thought about or minor variations on those ideas. You make the process more creative and fun by stretching the net of possibilities. The second ground rule is that coaches should not be attached to their own good ideas and, above all, should not use brainstorming as camouflage for pitching their own solutions.

Brainstorming is generative, so look for ways to build on ideas, not just take turns adding one more idea to the pile. This can often make a commonplace suggestion into a more creative or personal one for clients. For example, if your client suggests a half-day strategy meeting with key players, you might volley back with the idea of an off-site retreat and strategy meeting.

Sample Dialogue

Client: I’m a little stuck here. I haven’t been on an actual date in fifteen years. I’d like to find a way to meet people, but I don’t even know where to start. What do people do?

COACH: What would you like to do?

Client: I don’t know. Have you got any ideas?

COACH: Want to do a little brainstorming?

Client: Sure. I’m desperate.

COACH: Okay. You go first.

Client: I used to go to bars when I was in college. I don’t think I want to do that anymore.

COACH: So maybe you won’t choose it—but it is an option. At this point, there are no bad ideas, just possibilities. Okay, the theme is social situations. What do you like to do for recreation? Skiing? Rollerblading?

Client: Hiking. Day hikes. Almost anything in nature.

COACH: Great. You could join a hiking club, or you could start one for singles. What’s another option?

Client: One of those computer dating services, I suppose.

COACH: How about volunteer work? You place a high value on community service. What would be an area where you might volunteer your time?

Client: The school where my kids go. I would like to be more involved with them.

COACH: What other values would you like to tap into as you create opportunities to meet people? You mentioned nature … and we talked about community service …

Client: When you said “nature,” it made me think of gardening. I’m sure there are possibilities there.

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