Creativity in a Coaching Context

In the simple act of doing we draw out our being, giving expression to the words that are beyond us…

Last Friday 20 April, I had the privilege to work with a group from the Life and Business Coaching Association of Ireland as part of their continuous professional training day in Dublin. 

The training looked at the participants own connection, experiences and opportunities around creativity, the arts and communication. As the afternoon progressed it was interesting to see the group remember, connect and identify that they do use creativity in their professional practices. The training provided a practical approach to language for when there are no words.
The premise for the experiential training was
when clients find it hard to put into words the issue or problem facing them,
coaches need to offer different forms of language. This professional development session gives you an experiential learning opportunity to get engaged, explore and discover the versatile language of creativity and how it can help your clients. The practical application of creative process engages with the intangible and through it we can offer different ways of expression to demonstrate and share experiences that are beyond our words.

Mind mapping @ communication. LBCAI Training 2012

Becoming equipped to work with creative process and tools requires that we be frank with ourselves and explore our existing relationship with the languages of self-expression. As a starting point in this workshop, you will work from a place of learning while giving yourself the space to look at how you can work with emotional awareness in action.

moving, talking, exploring. LBCAI Training 2012.

Two of my favourite Cork women. LBCAI Training 2012

The outcomes I set out for the training were:

Exploration of your professional relationship with different forms of self expression 
Experience alternative approaches for working with clients that find it too hard to put things into words 
Open learning around creative tools and skills that bridge meaning beyond words 
Deeper insight and understanding of a client who is unable to verbalise a problem or issue 
Practical creativity to integrate into your coaching tool box 
An increased creative curiosity to try out new things and put them into practice

Borrowing words. LBCAI Training 2012.

I was very pleased to see the response to tools and approaches I have developed.

Great group to work with a wealth of experience and diversity in the room - wonderful!

All the participants shared a personal and professional learning that they were talking away with them. Some had already scheduled doodling/free drawing into their diary!

I'm looking forward to hearing how the tools are used and shared in the future.