During one of the coaching trainings I attended, we were role-playing a “Coach & Client” conversation.
I was so deeply moved by what my partner was sharing, that I instinctively hugged her in the middle of the session. A supervisor told me, in a soft yet firm tone : “You’ll be a better coach if you show less emotion. Avoid hugging your clients, laughing too loudly, or, even worse, crying.”
I remember feeling puzzled. But I was there to learn, so I nodded and let it go.
Months later, I’ve made my choice. If that’s the rule, fine. I choose to break it.
I laugh with my clients. I tell them when I feel moved. I cry when their words touch something deep within me. I share when I get goose bumps. Even through a Zoom screen (which is how most of my sessions happen), they can see when my eyes light up with joy at their breakthroughs, or when my expression reveals scepticism when I don’t buy into what they say.
I hide nothing. And I find it helps them hide nothing back.
This is how I create real connection.
This is how we open the field of possibilities together.
This is how I have chosen to coach. And more broadly to live my life. Period.
And you know the fun part? The woman I hugged during that training? She thanked me. Deeply. She told me it was exactly what she needed in that moment. Shortly after, she became a client.
Coaches don’t cry? Well … I do. And I value it as a privilege.
Be Brave. Don’t hide.
Delphine
#TheCourageofBeing.