One thing I got out of my coaching training but never anticipated was how much it has influenced my life.
I approached the training as though I had an innate ability to be good at coaching and I was going to absorb techniques like a dry sponge. And did I ever! The first day of training was slow for me, very slow. The second day picked. The third day hit me like a ton of bricks. I was already burnt from the studying, the role playing, the learning and I felt like a complete failure, inadequate in every way. Thursday I felt somewhat better about myself as the techniques seemed to flow more naturally but Friday everything clicked together. I completely let go. I completely surrendered. I was free flowing and all I had learned was there. I let the space happen and my coachees had not only enough room to discuss what was on their minds but achieved breakthroughs.
Saturday felt great and it was more of a recap and slow down day. I got back home on Sunday, emotionally tired, intellectually drained, and exhausted. However, I was listening. I was there. I listened to Virginia with full intent, completely poised in the present. It felt invigorating and at the same time calming. I asked questions but didn’t butt in with my opinion. It was wonderful. I got out of my way.
All of this didn’t dawn on me until I had a phone call with an eventual real estate client of mine. He was a little frustrated with how lease options are handled in this state. Instead of explaining anything to him, I let him talk. I let him explain everything that was on his mind and asked a few simple questions. It was a question of minutes till he felt comfortable again and was eager to work with me on this deal. And all I did was let him talk and understand his feelings. this is true real estate, understanding what people are looking for so that you can better serve them. Sounds corny and cliche but how true.
It was a great feeling and I noticed I develop that quality even more in me, listening. I usually can sense what people think and feel but listening is an art.
