Sometimes, when a student comes to a coaching session with an issue, the problem is exactly what the student identifies at the outset – not knowing study strategies, or having crammed at the last minute for an exam, for example. Often, however, the situation is more complex, with layers of causation underneath the original student-set agenda. In an era that prioritizes speed and convenience, students frequently default to the most visible solution and don't dig beyond that on their own.

A real opportunity awaits a student meeting with a coach. Having time set aside for an intentional conversation sets the expectation that this will be more than a quick fix. The coach's listening invites the student to think more slowly, to analyze, to question, to ideate. The more they talk, the more information may surface. For example, a student who is failing chemistry may, with the help of coaching, uncover a habit of studying passively, an inability to study in a distracting home, an overuse of social media, disordered sleep, and procrastination rooted in low self-efficacy. 

Coaches can offer excavation tools without judgment using prompts like this:

• What do you think is a cause?

• What other cause might be involved?

• How might your sleep, eating, or fitness be a factor?

• What is holding you back? 

• What don't you know how to do yet that would make a difference?

• What are you putting off that you could be doing?

• How can your better knowledge of self get you closer to achieving your goals?

Put on your headlamp and join LifeBound to develop your coaching skills in our next Inclusive Coaching class.

3-Day Inclusive Coaching

April 12, 19, 26 (Fridays)

(additional dates below)