Am I a “Coach” or an “Expert” in my DPP?

There’s no such thing as the perfect coach. Whether you’ve been coaching for ten years or new to the field, we’re never done learning. A wonderful learning opportunity can follow each DPP class–a time to explore and self reflect–taking a few minutes  to “check in”  on the session and coaching skills you used.

• Were most of my questions open?… What? How?
• Did I take opportunities to deepen the conversation? Tell me more about …..I’m curious….Who else?
• Did I avoid the “righting reflex”?…not offering advice or suggestions… instead asking the group for ideas or suggestions.
• Who did more of the talking? The group or me?

                                                            The Coach Approach vs the Expert Approach

EXPERT                                                                                               COACH

1. Expert in the field                                                                          1. Expert in Coaching
2. Authority                                                                                         2. Partner
3. Educator                                                                                          3. Facilitator of Change
4. Defines Agenda                                                                              4. Elicits the Client’s agenda
5. Feels Responsible for Client                                                         5. Client is Responsible
6. Solves Problems                                                                             6. Fosters Possibilities
7. Focus on What’s Wrong                                                                7. Focus on What’s Right
8. Has the answers                                                                             8. Co-discovers the answers
9. Interrupts if off topic                                                                     9. Learns from Client’s story
10. Works harder than the Client                                                     10. Client works as hard as the coach
11. Wrestles with Client                                                                      11. Dances with Client.

When reviewing this chart, what comes up? Where can I improve? As a personal example, when I was a “new” coach, I would often feel, “Man, that was a lot of work!” Or I may even have felt frustrated when when a client was ‘stuck’….feeling ambivalent. I often described it as feeling like I was hitting my head against the wall.

What did I learn?

*To meet the client where they are at*.

*Trust the process–and the client.*

Focus on using open ended questions, following up with affirmations and reflections. Show genuine curiosity. And always reminding myself that the participants are the experts in their own lives. They are unique and capable.

Are you interested in developing your DPP coaching skills?

Consider repeating the State of Wellness DPP Lifestyle Coach Training. Once you complete your training, you can join any future class free of charge! Sit in, listen, review the fundamentals of MI….and participate in the mock facilitations! Remember, we provide a safe environment, no pressure, simply an opportunity to practice MI skills using the NDPP curriculum and learn from one another. Contact the State of Wellness-sally@stateofwellness.org or 1 248-956-1726 if you are interested in joining any future class.

Want to dig a bit deeper? Consider enrolling in The State of Wellness Motivational Interviewing 100% Online. Work directly with Dr. Bill Matulich, PhD, and build your motivational interviewing skills–the cornerstone of effective lifestyle coaching. Great for the new or experienced coach!15 CEU/CECH.

In the end, we are a family of DPP coaches, working together and supporting one another!