1. Coach Michele’s Group Coaching
March 14, 2011

2. Today’s Topic
Techniques – Compassionate Strength

3. Basics Compassion is a large part of what a coach provides
We need to make sure this compassion is healthy, and is the type that heals and grows, not keeps people stuck
The right kind of compassion helps a client feel strong and centered

4. Definitions of Compassion
The English noun compassion, comes from Latin meaning to suffer together with
Deep awareness and sympathy for another’s suffering, the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it (princeton)

5. Your Definition of Compassion
How would you define or describe compassion?
How do you know if someone is being compassionate with you, or showing you compassion?

6. More Understanding of Compassion in Coaching
Compassion has also been described as understanding without judgment (Timo Lehtinen)
This is a very helpful definition for a coach, or anyone that wants to truly facilitate the growth of those around them
As coaches, of course we would love our clients to “suffer” less, but that doesn’t always mean the immediate relief from difficult situations
As coaches, we may “feel” our clients pain, but we don’t suffer with it…That is the huge gift we can give

7. Discussion – Compassion in Coaching
How do we convey compassion in coaching or how does the client know that we empathize?
What are the signs that the client just wants a “pity party” and doesn’t want to grow?
Do we feel that tears are appropriate, on either end, in a coaching call?

8. 5 Signs Your Helping is Really Enabling
You try to change or fix or help with something that the person or client has not asked for help with
Your “help” makes it easier for the person to feel like a victim
You are compromising your own values
You don’t feel right about it
The person is not growing out of the situation

9. Discussion
How else do we know when empathy/sympathy or helping gets unhealthy?
How, as coaches, can we be sure we are providing the right kinds of empathy/compassion?

10. Developing Your Compassion
As a coach, you can always be developing your ability to have and show compassion
I encourage you to truly feel
I encourage you to learn ways to think positively about pain…Learn the difference between pain and suffering
If you suffer less in your life, you’ll be much less likely to contribute to your clients suffering

11. Final Discussion
Any final thoughts?

12. Next Session Calls will be held on Monday nights in March
Next Session…Mon March 21st, 2011
Mastery