Coaching with Compassion: A Strategy for Leader Development
by Ircel Harrison
Although we may have learned clear definitions of coaching that guide us as coaches, we are always seeking ways to build upon those definitions to practice our craft effectively. The common aspects of the definitions tend to focus on the person being coached, the collaborative nature of the process, and helping the client achieving his or her potential. Undergirding these definitions is the expectation of change on the part of the client, even though change is one of the greatest challenges each of us faces in life. Coaching with Compassion: A Strategy for Leader Development provides the coach with deeper insights and suggestions about how to pursue change with our clients.
Based on the book, Helping People Change, participants are encouraged to leverage the power of positive emotions in the client’s change process. We lean into the idea of coaching with compassion rather than coaching for compliance—a major distinction in coaching styles. We will give both research data and practical examples to point out the impact of positive emotional attractors (PEA) and negative emotional attractors (NEA) in coaching for compassion.
The discussion of PEA also offers the basis for articulating the coach’s role in building a resonant relationship between coach and client. A resonant relationship is characterized by a positive emotional tone on the part of the coach which nurtures an authentic, caring connection with the person being coached.
The course engages participants in several application exercises for both personal enrichment and coaching skills. Practice and feedback will further develop coaching skills. At the end of the course, participants will be able to: practice the Coaching with Compassion model for leadership coaching; understand a model for intentional change; complete exercises that facilitate developing a personal vision, identifying one’s values, developing a personal learning plan, and practicing self-management; learn to use these exercises in a coaching relationship; and consider ways to use coaching with compassion in an organizational setting.
The class will meet Thursday evenings, May 8 to 29, 6:30, 2025 at–8:30 pm EDT/5:30–7:30 pm CDT.
Fee: $350. A deposit of $75 holds your spot. Remainder can be paid monthly.
Requirement: Participant must have completed at least 16 hours of coach training.
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Ircel Harrison is Coaching Coordinator for Pinnacle Leadership Associates, and Director of Education for Summit Coach Training from Pinnacle. Ircel is an ACC certified coach with the International Coaching Federation. He can be reached via email at ircelharrison@gmail.com.