How Coaching Works

The role of the Life Skills coach

I work with adolescent boys and young men to create a platform and framework for their goals, forge a path to achieve them, and develop the strategies and life skills to overcome the inevitable obstacles along the way.

I do this by listening very closely to what he says and does, and by asking questions that open up new perspectives and insights for him. I serve as his ally, confidant and sounding board; hard truth teller and challenger – always calling him forth to stretch higher and farther.

In the process, coaching connects him to his core strengths, gifts and values – his sources of inspiration and power – while enhancing his self-awareness, confidence, responsibility and accountability.

Studies have shown that holding higher expectations of someone generally leads to higher performance by that person. I believe that adolescent boys and young men have the answers – or can find them – to the questions and challenges of their lives. In fact, constructing out his own answers to life’s challenges is integral to learning and mastering the life skills he needs to lead a fulfilling and productive life.

 
Learning and Action

Coaching is the catalyst for new awareness and insight, which leads to action. This combination of action and learning creates change, which in turn engenders new insights, instills confidence, and more action based on this new information.

And so the cycle continues. Coaching builds the foundation and skills for a lifelong process of learning and development, growth and action.

And because all our choices are interconnected and contribute to the overall quality of our lives, my coaching addresses all areas of young men’s lives: school, relationships, family, health and wellness, sexuality, spirituality