Maya’s New Journey

This post is meant for awareness and to help others understand the realities of being a coach. It’s about breaking down misconceptions and providing a clearer picture of what coaching truly entails.

Person A :

How can you be a #coach when you, too, experience moments of #panic, #fear, and #sadness? You’ve had your share of #challenges and even people who don’t like you. Why should I come to you for coaching?

Coach :

I appreciate your honesty. Being a #coach doesn’t mean I’m immune to life’s challenges. It means I’ve learned to navigate them, to grow from them, and to use those experiences to help others. My #listeningskills #empathy and #understanding come from walking through the same struggles, which allows me to connect with you on a deeper level. #Coaching isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real, #resilient, and committed to #growth.

Story:

Maya had recently embarked on her coaching journey, having completed her certification only a year ago. Despite her enthusiasm and commitment, she found herself under scrutiny during a casual gathering with close friends.

"You're a coach now?" Raj asked with a hint of doubt. "It seems so sudden. What makes you qualified for this role?"

Maya responded calmly, "I've completed rigorous training and certification, and I’m dedicated to continuous learning. I follow the ICF core competencies to ensure that my coaching is both effective and professional."

Priya added with concern, "You've only been coaching for a year. Why did you need support during your personal struggles if you’re supposed to be guiding others?"

Maya explained, "Even doctors need other doctors. Coaching, like any profession, requires continuous learning and personal support. Seeking support for myself helps me stay grounded and empathetic, which enhances my ability to assist my clients."

Suresh interjected, recalling their past. "I’ve helped you out financially before. How can I trust you to guide me if I need coaching?"

Maya replied earnestly, "Trust in coaching is built through our interactions and results. My previous challenges don’t undermine my coaching abilities; they contribute to my growth and understanding, which benefits my clients."

Anu questioned, "You’re still new to coaching. What if you encounter a client with issues you're not experienced with yet?"

Maya responded thoughtfully, "Coaching isn’t about advising or guiding based on my own preferences. It’s about using my skills to support diverse clients, whether they are athletes or teenagers. My training equips me with versatile skills to adapt to various needs."

Finally, Ravi brought up a personal observation. "I’ve seen you deal with your own difficulties. How can you effectively coach others if you’ve faced similar issues?"

Maya smiled and said, "Facing personal challenges helps me connect with clients on a deeper level. A successful coaching session happens only when both the coach and the coachee are in sync, which is why discovery calls are essential. These calls ensure that we align our goals and expectations, creating a solid foundation for effective coaching."

As the evening progressed, Maya's honest and thoughtful responses began to shift her friends’ perspectives. They started to see her not just as a newcomer, but as a dedicated coach with a genuine commitment to helping others.

Disclaimer:

The story shared is purely fictional and is not based on any real individuals or events. The name "Maya" and other details are created solely for storytelling purposes. This is not reflective of any client or real-life situation but is intended to provide insight from a coaching perspective.