The Art and Science of Coaching and My Camera

 


I have been working for more than 20 years, and the various experiences I have had so far have shaped the way I lead my life today.

The six weeks spent on my Coaching Certification from Erickson Coaching, have been a period of introspection; giving me the knowledge to understand which of my qualities I need to sharpen and which I need to unlearn.

 Life has had some great learning's planned for me; I am enjoying my new find. A good coach and my fellow learners have added flavor to my learning's and have provided me with great experiences.

“Coaching is my journey of self-exploration”

The best learning in the Art & Science of Coaching for me has been to slow down a bit, to live in the moment and to experience the joy and happiness of exploring the inner strengths of oneself and of others.

“Who you are is How you coach”

The first exercise, which I was asked to do was to pick a metaphor that resonates my journey of coaching. I chose my camera, that I believe is my north star, and that will keep guiding me in my journey. It took me many years to master the art and science of using my Camera. I believe it will take me years to master the art and science of coaching.

“I will fail, fail faster, fail again, fail faster, fail better and fail again”

Let me help you visualise my metaphor and the essential elements of coaching and how the various components of my camera resonates those elements

My Camera

·   Preparation: Just like coaching it requires a planning for the shoot, understanding the subject, the environment and the setup, preparation on what/when/why and with/how. Visualising how success will look like when I get a good shot/ image.

View finder/ eye piece: With eye attached to the camera view finder/ eye piece, the rest of the world stops around you. You live in that moment and you are exploring something not explored earlier. Seeing through a different eye. Gaining and listening from a different space and with an intent, is so powerful.

Camera settings: ISO brings out the shades, shutter speed brings out the quick and slow factors, Aperture gives both the subject and the environment view. The mind is asking questions on right combinations and tonality every time. The right combinations bring out the best in me.

Shutter button: To pick the right shot, pressing the shutter button on time is important. Similarly, placement of right words is important to engage better. The shutter button works perfectly when all our combinations are accurate. Capturing the moment that is critical in a shoot and in the life of Coachee, makes or breaks the picture and the life-long relationship that you make with a Coachee.

Viewing Screen: Viewing screen helps reflect on the shot; it is like visualising the experience that you had during the coaching discussion with the Coachee. Reflection and details; what I wanted and what I have got. Does this require to change my settings or the questions, if yes make change and shoot again/ ask again. Till, you get the best shot or the best contract/ outcome.

Memory card: Right shots/ right experience is recorded for life. Happy memories help cherish the time spent in that moment. It always gives me happiness whenever I look at the final image. It is similar to recording and maintaining a log book of your coaching experience. In coaching, the experience matters the most.

Next opportunity/ next Coachee – go back to preparation stage again and start a new journey for a new shoot and for a next Coachee.

“In Coaching, Slow is Fast”

I am grateful to everyone who has taught me, shared their learnings and experiences of life. My own journey as a Coach has just begun, and I have a long way to go. Reach out to me if I can be of any help.


Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India

Comments

  1. ketamrita :)July 11, 2020 at 7:55 PM

    Wow! Thanks Tapas for the perspective. Fresh one. My favourite, In coaching, slow is fast 😀

    ReplyDelete
  2. Satish MunoliJuly 11, 2020 at 8:32 PM

    Wow TP nice way and a new perspective to map ourself. I thought of your bike when you said meta8

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJuly 11, 2020 at 8:44 PM

    👌

    ReplyDelete
  4. Swamy ReddyJuly 11, 2020 at 9:46 PM

    This is wonderful boss. Short , crisp and straight to the point like an habitual blogger.Slow but steady makes us perfect. The way you learnt things over the last two decades and the patience that you have deserves a special mention in your life book.Your willingness to learn and experiment will take you places. With the new journey Of coach about to begin, I only wish all the best and look forward to learn more from you. It was an honour to know you personally.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anindita GangulyJuly 11, 2020 at 10:46 PM

    Brilliant...sharp ,precise and clear observation 👍👍👍

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJuly 11, 2020 at 10:57 PM

    Wow what a great mix of professional and personal linkage of self exploration... Knowing you is adding a feather, in my life. 'The elephant in the room'🙂🙂 keep it up high. God bless you

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownJuly 11, 2020 at 11:31 PM

    Brilliant photography

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anupam JoshiJuly 12, 2020 at 7:50 AM

    Amazingly well articulated. Another feather in the cap. Proud of you Bhai. Stay blessed.

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownJuly 13, 2020 at 8:22 AM

    Beautifully articulated enunciated with apt phrases which sit well on multiple arenas of life. It's time to take life slow and enjoy every bit of it. Wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJuly 13, 2020 at 8:48 AM

    While I was yearning to get on the camera, biggest problem was to find out a coach. Now I believ I already have one.

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownJuly 14, 2020 at 4:55 AM

    Great stuff Tapas., very happy to hear about your new found passion-coaching. The metaphor used is absolutely 'spot on'. And the pics are very refreshing too. All the best for this new 'lens' of coaching in your career+life. Looking forward to caching up on this topic to continue to develop our perspectives.

    ReplyDelete
  12. TuhinaJuly 22, 2020 at 6:04 PM

    Well written article Tapas Sir. Your journey of rediscovering yourself and keeping your passion is commendable. Good luck! Tuhina

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownJuly 22, 2020 at 8:47 PM

    Very nice inspirational TA. //Sriniwaas

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownJuly 24, 2020 at 4:01 AM

    Very Nice

    ReplyDelete

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