As individuals develop personally and professional, a high level of awareness empowers self-actualization, decision-making, and positive outcomes. Sometimes self-awareness is comfortable, and sometimes it is uncomfortable. A professional coach recognizes this and obtains permission from the client to explore and have the tough conversations. Creating awareness in others involves a high level of acceptance and trust.
Creating Awareness is one of the Core Competencies in the category of Facilitating Learning and Results as outlined by the ICF, or International Coaches Federation.
Awareness sounds simple and often is simple; on a deeper level awareness considers more than situational awareness in a given circumstance. Awareness includes:
* Considering emotional impact
* Understanding
* Recognizing different perceptions
* Identifying possibilities
* Focusing on the facts versus the interpretation
* Considering inter-related factors of thoughts, emotions, and circumstances
* Determining the import of different factors
* Noting behavior that is unusual versus recurring
* Exploring congruence versus disconnections
A well-trained professional coach empowers the client to develop or enhance awareness through insightful exploration of facts and considerations by asking powerful questions. Because this includes creating awareness of weaknesses and emotional reactions, the coach works without judgment from a place of trust and caring.
The coach supports the client to create awareness and consider their choices moving forward.
