In the world of coaching, there’s a profound emphasis on the art of presence. It’s not just about being physically present; it’s about showing up fully, with undivided attention, empathy, and authenticity. This fundamental principle is beautifully encapsulated in the International Coaching Federation (ICF) competency known as “Maintains Presence.” Today, let’s explore this competency and unravel its significance in fostering meaningful connections between coaches and their coachees.
Understanding the Essence
Maintaining presence goes beyond mere attendance. It’s about being deeply engaged in the coaching process, both emotionally and mentally. When a coach maintains presence, they create a safe and supportive space for their coachee to explore their thoughts, emotions, and aspirations without fear of judgment or interruption.
At its core, maintaining presence involves active listening, empathetic understanding, and genuine curiosity. It’s about tuning in to the client’s words, tone, and body language, as well as the underlying emotions and motivations driving their actions. By remaining fully present in the moment, coaches can establish trust, foster rapport, and facilitate transformative growth with their coachee.
The Power of Active Listening
Central to maintaining presence is the practice of active listening. This means listening not just with our ears, but with our hearts and minds as well. It involves giving our full attention to the client, suspending judgment, and refraining from formulating responses while they’re speaking.
Active listening requires coaches to be fully present in the conversation, tuning in to both the verbal and non-verbal cues being expressed. By demonstrating genuine interest and empathy, coaches can create a supportive environment where coachees feel heard, valued, and understood.
Cultivating Authentic Connection
Authenticity is another key component of maintaining presence. Coaches who show up authentically bring their genuine selves to the coaching relationship, fostering trust and rapport with their coachee. This means being honest, transparent, and vulnerable when appropriate, sharing observations of their own feelings – and those of the coachee – without overshadowing the coachee’s journey.
Authentic connection is built on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding. When coaches maintain presence with authenticity, they create a space where the coachee feels empowered to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings, free from pretense or judgment.
Embracing Humility and Curiosity
Maintaining presence also requires humility and curiosity. Coaches who approach each coaching session with a beginner’s mind, acknowledging that they don’t have all the answers, are better able to connect with their clients on a deeper level. By asking powerful questions and remaining open to new perspectives, coaches can support their clients in gaining clarity, insight, and self-awareness.
In conclusion, the ICF competency of maintaining presence is a cornerstone of effective coaching practice. Through embodying active listening, authenticity, humility, and curiosity, coaches can create a nurturing space where coachees feel empowered to explore, grow, and thrive. In today’s fast-paced world, the gift of presence is perhaps one of the most valuable offerings a coach can provide—an unwavering presence that honors the coachee’s journey and supports them in unlocking their full potential.
Maintains Presence is one of the 8 competencies of the International Coaching Federation and one of the key competencies upon which feedback in Mentor Coaching is based. If you’d like to know more about how Mentor Coaching can support you in your practice as an internal or external coach, just drop me a message.
