Coaching the Out-spoken

An out-spoken person, also known for using an aggressive communication style, is comfortable expressing their opinion, speaking up, brainstorming, and even taking charge of a conversation.

Pat loves a good debate. While Pat perceives a good discussion or debate as fun and interesting, colleagues perceive it as argumentative and pushy. While Pat was aware something seems different at work, the cause of the problem was elusive. Pat hired a coach after receiving a written warning. When Pat explained the situation, the coach listened to understand Pat as a person.

Tips for Recognizing the Out-spoken:

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Readily able to articulate their ideas and opinions

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Quick-thinkers

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Fast decision-makers

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Ability to lead the conversation

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Tendency to dominate

Tips for Coaching the Out-spoken:

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Give the opportunity to think out loud

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Double-check previous priorities with current priorities

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Ask them to evaluate their decision-making process

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Explore the impact of short-term goals on long-term goals

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Ask them to plan their specific steps and consider outcome possibilities of their plan

The coach asked Pat to describe the situation and brainstorm issues. When Pat was stuck, the coach provided perspective by giving several examples of others in similar situations. The coach then asked Pat how others might perceive conversations.

Based on perspective developed during coaching, Pat choose to experiment with different approaches for communicating. After receiving positive feedback, Pat realized what worked. Pat then asked the coach to continue as a partner in developing more communication and people skills.

Cathy Liska

For content specific to coach training and coaching, guest blog posts are welcome.

Most blog posts here are written or curated by Cathy Liska, Guide from the Side®, CDP, MCC.

Cathy is CEO/Founder of the Center for Coaching Certification, CCC. As Guide from the Side®, she is a sought-after trainer and coach with over 30 years of experience in business management and ownership. Cathy built her diverse team at CCC that includes trainers, customer service, and coaches. She was Co-Leader for ICF’s Ethics Community of Practice, on the Leadership Team for the review and updating of the Code of Ethics in 2024, and active in the Ethics Water Cooler. To ensure she stays current in related areas of expertise, Cathy has earned the following: ICF’s Master Certified Coach (MCC), Certified Coach Trainer, Certified Consumer Credit Counselor, Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Grief Support Group Facilitator, Certified in the Drucker Self-Assessment Tool, Certified Apartment Manager, Certified Civil and Family Mediator, and Certified in DISC.

Cathy’s clients range from attorneys to corporate executives, government to nonprofit, entrepreneurs to children, under or unemployed to newly retired. She specializes in communication, management, conflict, and leadership. Her personal mission statement is “People.” Cathy is known for her passion to serve others so they achieve the results they want.

Podcast: https://www.coachcert.com/podcast.html

Publications: Coaching Perspectives (a series of books with chapters by coach training graduates) https://www.coachcert.com/resources/recommended-reading/coaching-perspectives-series-by-the-center-for-coaching-certification-and-more.html

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