Assignment 3: Reflecting on a

Coaching Conversation
Student Name: Yubo Wang
Student Number: 638466
Mentor Group: 3A
Course Code: BT1205
Course Name: Professional
Development & Mentoring
Date of Submission: 12.5.2023
STEP 1 – Share your story! Coach and Coachee perspective

General Perspective

1. Upon the introduction of the coaching exercise during workshop 15, my initial response
was a combination of intrigue and nervous excitement. With limited exposure to
coaching, the exercise felt like uncharted territory, sparking both curiosity and
apprehension within me. The idea of being both a coach and a coachee was intriguing,
yet the uncertainty about how the conversation might unfold was a source of mild
anxiety. My mind buzzed with preconceptions about the coaching process, shaped by
popular media representations and my own limited experiences. I was concerned about
the level of personal revelation that might be required, and whether I would manage to
strike a balance between openness and professionalism.

Coach Perspective

1. As I slipped into the role of a coach, my conversation with Alkis unfurled like a journey
into the heart of his aspirations and concerns. We began with general discussions about
academic plans and career goals, slowly peeling back layers of surface-level conversation
to reach the core of his ambitions and challenges. As the dialogue progressed, a picture
began to emerge, revealing key milestones and strategies for our shared academic and
professional pursuits. The coaching conversation was a tapestry of shared experiences,
insights, and mutual learning, punctuated by moments of realization and clarity.
2. As a coach, I felt a deep sense of responsibility. I was acutely aware that my role was not
to impose my views, but to guide Alkis towards his own insights and solutions. I decided
to rely on my intuition and the flow of conversation rather than rigidly sticking to pre-
written questions. This approach gave our dialogue a sense of authenticity that was quite
distinct from day-to-day conversations, which tend to be more transactional and less
introspective.

Coachee Perspective

1. When I switched roles and became the coachee, Alkis created a safe and non-judgmental
space that made it easier for me to share my thoughts and feelings. His empathetic
listening, thoughtful questions, and respectful responses made the conversation feel more
like a collaboration than an interrogation. The pivotal moment came when Alkis shared
his own experiences, creating a level of vulnerability that encouraged me to reciprocate.
2. As the coaching conversation wound down, I experienced a sense of clarity and calm. It
was as if the process of articulating my thoughts and feelings, coupled with Alkis'
insightful responses, had helped me sift through the clutter in my mind. The process was
cathartic, and I felt a sense of validation and understanding. I found myself sharing more
openly than I had anticipated, mainly because the conversation felt safe, respectful, and
genuinely focused on helping me gain insight.

STEP 2 – The 4 Essential Coaching Behaviours

 1. Mindful Listening: During the conversation, I made a conscious effort to be present and
attentive to Alkis' verbal and non-verbal cues. His body language, facial expressions, and
tone of voice provided valuable insights into his emotional state and level of engagement.
Recognizing these subtle cues helped me steer the conversation in a way that resonated
with his feelings and concerns.
2. Active Listening: I consistently practiced active listening, reflecting Alkis' thoughts and
feelings back to him to ensure I understood his perspective correctly. This approach made
him feel heard and validated, and I could sense his growing comfort and openness as the
conversation progressed.
Powerful Questions: I used open-ended questions to encourage Alkis to explore his thoughts and
feelings more deeply. For instance, asking "How does that make you feel?" or "What would
achieving this goal mean to you?" nudged him towards deeper introspection and self-awareness.
These questions weren't just inquiries; they were catalysts for reflection, triggering a chain
reaction of insights and revelations.

4. Facilitating Goal Setting: I supported Alkis in formulating SMART goals that aligned
with his career aspirations. By discussing potential barriers and brainstorming strategies
to overcome them, we managed to transform abstract dreams into concrete, actionable
steps.

As a coachee, I found the use of powerful questions most impactful. Alkis' thoughtful inquiries
encouraged me to delve deeper into my ambitions and the challenges that lay ahead. This led to a
profound shift in how I approached my goals, turning them from distant dreams into feasible
realities.

STEP 3 - Reflection of Coaching Behaviours

Mindful listening was the easiest behavior for me to adopt as a coach. Having always been a
keen observer of non-verbal cues, I found it natural to tune into Alkis' body language and tone of
voice. This skill helped me gauge his comfort level and adjust the conversation accordingly,
enhancing the effectiveness of our coaching session.

Conversely, the most challenging behavior was asking powerful questions. While I understood
their importance in stimulating deep thought and reflection, formulating these questions was
often tricky. Striking a balance between probing deeply enough without making Alkis
uncomfortable required tact and sensitivity, aspects I aim to refine in my future coaching
endeavors.

In conclusion, this coaching exercise was a significant learning experience that has left an
indelible mark on my approach to personal and professional development. The insights I gained
are not just academic learnings to be stowed away in the recesses of my mind; they are practical
tools that I will continue to use and refine as I navigate the winding path of my career. This
assignment has not only honed my coaching skills but also heightened my self-awareness,
making it a truly enriching journey of growth and discovery.