By Janae McKendry
So you’ve decided to work with a coach. What exactly does that mean and what does it look like? The primary objective of this post is to provide you with a general overview of what coaching is, answer some questions you may have, and touch on what you can expect as you begin the transformational process with your Four Streams Coach.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as, “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” The relationship between the coach and the client is created to help the client achieve goals, make improvements, and create action plans. The ICF was established in 1995 by Professional Coach, Thomas Leonard, and is the world’s largest organization of professionally trained coaches. Coaches who have been awarded an ICF credential have met rigorous training requirements, in both educational and practical experiences, and are qualified to work with a wide variety of clients. Our Four Streams Network Coaches (FSNC) are ICF certified as well as Four Streams Coaching certified. With the coupling of these certifications, we are confident our carefully selected coaches will competently journey alongside you as you head towards your goals.
Four Streams Coaching is an accredited coach training program through the ICF and was established with the simple belief that every person matters and has value. At Four Streams, we strive to help our clients realize their fullest potential by partnering with them to reveal why they are extraordinary through our transformational coaching model.
Your Four Streams coach will work with you to instill deep sustainable change with the combination of tools from our four streams: world-class coaching methodology, neuroscience, positive psychology, and worldview.
How does it work?
Your Four Streams Coach™ will start by working with you on self-understanding, which is rooted in science, through the utilization of a variety of assessment tools such as DISC®, Driving Forces®, and Emotional Intelligence with one of the world’s assessment leaders in reliability and validity, TTI Success Insights®. From there you will begin to discover why you are extraordinary. You will have a profound understanding of your behavioral and communication style, along with what motivates or drives you, and a comprehensive look at how you understand, use, and manage emotions. With these new insights, you and your coach can work together to set goals that are deep-rooted in what brings you meaning and purpose so you can collectively create actions that will get you the results you crave.
You can meet where you want by conveniently scheduling with your Four Streams Coach virtually or in-person whether you’re at home or traveling. In a coaching session, you, the client, choose what the focus will be in the conversation. The session is all about you, your goals, and the actions you want to take. Your coach will thoughtfully listen as you describe your wants and needs for the session and the overall coaching relationship. He/she responds with powerful questions to evoke thoughts that create awareness and discovery. This process is designed to catapult your growth into a radical transformation that is intrinsically rooted in your deepest desires.
What do you need to do?
This is a commitment you are making to yourself, so show up on time, ready to take notes, and trust the process. Coaching will not work if you don’t give this your all and participate. Also, be willing to be open and vulnerable with your coach — they are pros and know exactly what to do to support you.
Be prepared to be challenged. Meaningful growth does not come easily. Your coach is trained to ask powerful questions to help you go places you never thought you were capable of. It can be a bit scary, but it is life-changing to be stretched and pushed.
Come to each session with a learner’s or growth mindset. This mindset enables you to embrace challenges, learn from your mistakes, persist in the face of adversity and setbacks, and hinges upon opening your mind to embrace opportunities and possibilities. A growth mindset is the key to your success and is crucial in possessing the belief that you can improve and your abilities are never fixed.
Last but certainly not least, don’t expect your coach to do the work for you. The best and most sustainable results come from you putting in the diligent work to get results.
Inspiration and motivation happen during your coaching session, but much of the work will happen when you apply what you’ve learned in the space between sessions.
Conclusion
Coaching is a powerful tool to help you develop into the person you dreamed you could be. The process will not always be easy, but the rewards will undoubtedly be worth it.
Welcome to the Four Streams family! We are grateful to be a part of your journey and excited to watch you flourish!
