Embracing Curiosity in Support of Your Client

As we continue to develop, grow and evolve as coaches, one of the most valuable lessons we can learn is the power of curiosity.

Wherever you are on your coaching journey, we invite you to adopt a curious mindset seeking to understand how each person experiences their world in their own unique way. This means letting go of our own beliefs, assumptions and personal experiences which can get in the way of our client's exploring their own world.

Let Curiosity Lead the Way

As coaches, we naturally strive to support our clients in achieving their goals, overcoming obstacles, and unlocking their full potential. However, in the process, it's easy to fall into the trap of relying on our own perspectives, experiences, or assumptions about what’s “normal” or ‘right’.

It’s worth remembering that our worldviews – even though they can be very valuable for ourselves, and perhaps others – they not necessarily the views of our clients and nor may they be appropriate for them if they choose to adopt those views.

Each individual experiences their life through their own unique lens shaped by culture, schooling, family, personal experiences and more. By letting go of our assumptions and judgments, and instead asking thoughtful, open questions, we allow our clients to explore their own truths.

This shift in approach opens a world of possibilities, where clients feel safe to share their true experiences, unfiltered by societal norms or their own preconceived notions. When we get curious about our client's 'map' of their world, we show up with the respect, empathy and openness that is conducive to transformation.

Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia: Two Ends of the Visualization Spectrum

Dr. Kate Jenkinson, Research Scientist, HR Professional, Poet and Coach, who - as part of her neurodivergence - is aphantasic. Aphantasia - as Kate describes it, “is the inability to make voluntary images in the mind's eye”, and she shares that around three to five per cent of the population have no mental imagery, and therefore, cannot visualize anything in their minds.

A client with aphantasia may not 'see' things in their mind’s eye the way others do. If you ask them to ‘picture a peaceful place’, they might struggle to engage with that exercise. On the other end of the spectrum is hyperphantasia, where clients have extremely vivid and detailed mental imagery. These clients might experience mental images so rich that they seem real.

Both of these experiences - aphantasia and hyperphantasia - are valid and normal. And without curiosity, we might assume that everyone can visualize the same way we do. In doing so, we risk miscommunication, frustration, and missing the chance to tailor our coaching to best suit the client’s needs.

Curiosity, therefore, can open the door by asking questions like:

• What’s it like for you when I ask you to imagine something?
• How do you typically process or visualize information in your mind?
• How do you experience that thought or emotion?
• What are you experiencing?

By asking curious, open questions, we can support ourselves in service of our client to better understand how their minds work, leading to more effective coaching strategies.

A Client-Centred Approach

Coaching is about partnership, and the best partnerships thrive on understanding and empathy. When we leave judgment and assumptions behind, we create a safe space for our clients to show up as their authentic selves, without the pressure of meeting invisible expectations. By fostering an environment of curiosity, we enable deeper self-exploration, creativity, and growth in our clients’ journeys.

When we commit to embracing the uniqueness of each client and be like a detective to support them to understand the way they experience their world, it can open up expanded awareness, no matter whether they see vivid pictures, imagine abstract ideas, or process in ways we’ve never considered. Every perspective is valuable.

Thank you for your commitment to growth, both for yourselves and your clients. We are excited to see how this shift in perspective will enrich your coaching practice and deepen your connection with those you serve.

Find out more about Dr. Kate Jenkinson's journey from Scientist to HR Professional to Poet in our Podcast Ep. 212 'How Do You Experience Your World?' here.

Be empowered.

Jeanine and Marie Empower World Co-founders

Find out about our upcoming Coach Mentoring Programme starting on 22 November 2024 here.

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