Photo by Hendrik van Leeuwen, https://www.flickr.com/photos/hndrk/ Creative Commons
Every coaching engagement is different. That’s what I love about this work!
And yet there are some patterns. As a coaching client, you wear different “hats” in the coaching engagement at different times. Consciously choosing which hat to wear when can help you get more value for your coaching investment.
Briefly, there are six hats or roles that a client might occupy at some point in a session or engagement.
- Student
- Athlete
- Devotee
- Apprentice
- Observer
- Adventurer
Some of these may not sound too appealing at first glance. Each adds value to my clients at the right time and in the right measure.
- Student
When you are in the student role, you are seeking new knowledge. You may need advice about how to proceed with a problem, technical information, or other knowledge the coach has. - Athlete
OK, maybe this one doesn’t feel like it applies to you. But when you look to your coach for motivation, accountability, and cheerleading you become the athlete on the field, driven by your coach’s support and belief in you. - Devotee
No, you don’t worship your coach. But if she occasionally inspires you to reach inside yourself for a strength you didn’t know you had, you’re wearing the devotee hat. - Apprentice
If your coach has a track record of success in your field, he can show you the way by example. You may have a chance to learn by observing him in action in that role. This is frequently part of the role of manager as coach. - Observer
A key role of the coach is to provide honest, direct, useful feedback. Through this mirror, you are able to see yourself more clearly and improve your performance. You will also develop your ability to observe and assess yourself more realistically. - Adventurer
The most challenging hat to wear. As you wear the other five hats, you are preparing for change. When you try on the new behaviors, it’s an adventure. Your coach can guide you on the adventure but it’s your adventure. Learn to love the journey use it to gather new information about yourself. These adventures can fuel your growth in ways you never thought possible.
Learn to wear all six hats with your coach and it’s sure to accelerate your growth.