In this episode of Coaching Business Spotlight, we delve into the nuanced considerations coaches must navigate when expressing personal beliefs in professional settings. The conversation between Kat and guest Gail Barker, CPCC, PCC, centers on balancing authenticity with professionalism, especially on social media and in client interactions. They explore the implications of sharing personal views on politics, religion, and other sensitive topics, emphasizing the importance of respectful and inclusive communication.
In this episode, Kat and Gail talk about:
- The importance of maintaining professional boundaries while being authentic.
- Strategies for coaches to share personal beliefs without alienating clients.
- The role of self-awareness and self-management in coaching.
- The impact of social media on professional relationships and how to navigate it.
- The value of vulnerability, honesty, and inclusivity in building strong coaching relationships.
- The concept of “paths of ease” and how it applies to facing challenges.
- The significance of acknowledging the complexity and nuances in controversial topics.
- The balance between expressing personal views and considering the potential impact on the audience.
- The role of coaching skills in everyday life and communication.
- Insights from Gail’s book “What Matters Now” on living with ease by focusing on what truly matters.
For over 20 years, Gail Barker, BA, CPCC, PCC, has been coaching clients to discover and create their own meaningful experiences of success. At the heart of this work, Gail’s focus is supporting leaders and aspiring leaders to build strong, respectful, inclusive teams in which honesty, vulnerability and bravery are valued and honored. She is committed to finding paths of ease even amid extreme challenge. Gail regularly leads experiential workshops on topics related to reducing workplace stress, developing clear communication channels, and understanding issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Gail is the founder and president of Stellar Coaching & Consulting (founded in 2003), and a Front of Room Leader for the Co-Active Training Institute, training coaches, consultants and others in the Co-Active coaching model. She is also a part-time Senior Program Lead on the Faculty Development Team at CTI.
Gail is the author of What Matters Now: Lessons on Living with Ease and the former host of the radio show “Your Life, Your Way,” which aired on 106.9 The X for ten years.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
