Jessica Fearnley

One question that is always worth exploring is ‘do I want this?’ Sometimes high stress environments ignite healthy excitement and create momentum. But we know that long term extreme stress is not good for us, and it can also be a resonant choice to step out of that environment and find something that is more aligned.

I love helping clients generate creative alternatives. It is often very freeing for them to be able to ‘play’ and explore the issue from differing perspectives without feeling like they are having to commit to each course of action. We all do better with decision making and making aligned choices when we can create flexibility instead of seeing everything in a very fixed or limited way.

It is a real advantage to bring a diverse viewpoint to the discussion because the organisation likely has a set position that many people in the room will default to. I work with women consultants whose value is often that they can see beyond the limits of the boardroom and bring a perspective that will help create a better solution. Consultants literally earn their money because they bring something different to the table. It creates a fantastic opportunity for those who have had different experiences or come from a different background to create massive value for corporate clients.

Rapport-building questions in coaching is quite a skill because in normal conversations we would look for commonalities and create connection around the things we have in common. In a formal coaching relationship we are not necessarily looking to divulge our personal circumstances in the same way, although sharing some details about ourselves from time to time can help the coachee to feel understood if they are feeling vulnerable. One of the magical things about coaching is that it is actually quite rare for people to be asked in detail about their life story, their experiences, their values. In getting into the detail this is often a very nurturing experience for the client and something they enjoy.

I always advise my coaching clients to work with a therapist to deal with mental health issues. It is an area where we must be really clear about the limits of our work. Coaching can help with some of the factors that contribute to mental health such as confidence, boundaries, being at choice. But we always need to act in the client’s best interests and have their safety at the forefront.

It is so valuable to be committed to diversity in your coaching network. And it also often presents a challenge because it can mean looking outside your immediate peer group, but it’s a brilliant opportunity to be able to create opportunities for others and to ensure a rich offering of coaches for the benefit of your coachees.