In a previous post, I was the coach, and at the same time, the client. A bit of schizophrenia, if you ask, but for me, it worked perfectly.

Being able to access the coaching toolbox, to feel how a coaching question impacts my client’s feelings, his thoughts too, has been proven to be invaluable since I started my coaching practice. As Pinocchio had his Jiminy cricket, wherever I go, I carry the coaching voice with me. One hundred years ago, they would have locked me away for “hearing voices”. Today, a thing like that might even look cool! And you can get rid of your Spotify subscription too.

Going back to our client. There was a major dissonance in his speech. Did you spot it?

Coach: With your permission, I would like to go back to the need of rebuilding your site. You told me that it usually appeared whenever you were learning something new. Can you give me an example?

Client (eyes sparkling): Oh, yeah! I can give you the last one. As I was trying to memorize the declinations for the Russian adjectives, I realized that I could transform the Excel file I was using into a very nice product, a tool that might be used by other people as well.

Coach (making a neutral face): An Excel file?

Client: Yes, this one. If you get it right, the cell becomes green. If not, it displays the correct answer in the grey area. Just imagine what a specialized product might do! To be able to play with thousands of similar combinations.

The coach smiles, then moves in for the kill. Can you say what is he going to do next?