Intimidated but Inspired: My Seat at the Coaching Table
My journey into the world of coaching began with a simple desire to help, but what I have discovered so far is something much deeper. It is not about providing answers; it is about witnessing a sacred process of unravelling. Enrolling in a structured icf coach training programme gave this desire a real direction. Every session I have been part of, whether as an observer or a participant, has left me with a deep sense of appreciation for the unique journey each individual is on.
Shifting the spotlight:
In our daily lives, we are often consumed by our problems. We treat them like heavy luggage, focusing all our energy on our struggles. What has struck me most is how the coaching process masterfully shifts the spotlight. Instead of remaining fixed on the external problem, the conversation gently turns the light inward, bringing the focus back to the person themselves. It is an incredible transition to witness: the moment a client stops looking at the wall in front of them and starts looking at the power they hold within to move it. This shift from the situation to the self is where true transformation begins – and it’s exactly the kind of shift a transformational coach learns to hold space for.
Overcoming the “Expert” Intimidation:
I will be honest: there have been moments of deep intimidation. The thought of sitting in front of a person who brings decades of experience and expertise from their own life, while I may know absolutely nothing about their specific field, is daunting. There is a weight of expectation that they will derive value from our conversation.
However, as I move forward, my trust in the process is growing with every mentor-guided experience. I am learning that I don’t need to be the expert in their life; I only need to be the expert in the coaching process. My value isn’t in my knowledge of their industry, but in my ability to stay curious and present. Going through proper icf coaching certification has given me the framework to trust this process instead of my own instinct to solve.
The Delight of the “Aha” Moment:
There is a specific moment in a coaching conversation that is absolutely delightful to witness – the ‘Aha’ moment. It is that split second where the client sees something entirely new – a fresh perspective, a new thought, or a deep realization. In that moment, the air seems to change as they find a path forward where they previously saw a dead end.
Gratitude for the Journey:
As I continue this journey, I am filled with gratitude. I am grateful for the reminder that we all have the answers within us – we sometimes just need a curious partner to help us dig them out. Looking back, exploring different life coaching courses before landing on this one was worth every bit of research, because this path has shaped how I show up for people now. While I am still refining my approach through ongoing icf coach training and learning to silence my own biases, I am inspired by the results. Coaching is not just a skill; it is a way of seeing people with radical belief and zero judgment.
Author: Gitika Srivastava
