Peer coaching sessions

Hi,
I completed 2 coaching sessions in the past week. Both with the same coach. P from Europe. he is a fellow colleague from ICA. He is a little further along in his coursework.

Through ICA, peer coaching is a requirement, but as I have been going through the process, i believe peer coaching should be a requirement for everyone for the rest of their lives.

I believe that when I was a youngster in NYC fresh out of college, I was getting coaching. But in the past 3 years, since i have been married, i have strayed away from good structured time of self reflection and improvement.

Not like I have regressed into this lump on a log or anything, but I know that peer coaching is beneficial.

As I started the peer coaching session, i stated my goal: I want to experience good coaching and have an "AHA!" moment. I want to understand and value coaching highly. I also want to feel that there is a good meeting of the minds between coach and client.

Another requirement is that you have to complete 12 sessions with the same coach. Thats 3 months, if you take 1 session a week. So you better be sure its a good fit. You wouldn't keep a pair of bad shoes that caused blisters for more than a couple days right?

The session was good, I sent over my "Design your life" reflections, so P, had a good idea about me. Or as much information as I would like to disclose.

We got right into it. Through a series of questions from P, I discovered that I had some improper opinions about people. I can get annoyed with people. I put the blame and responsibility on that person and I stay blameless. Sounds good right? haha
That is unless, I work in a c areer that requires interfacing with people like Real Estate sales, and Coaching.

P , was able to suggest that a better perspective was that the responsibility of likeability is my responsibility. If there is someone who brings a higher degree of stress, then its up to me to find out why that stress is in me, and learn to handle it. I can't make people change.

It helped me a ton.

2nd coaching session:
We discussed a decision that needed to be made. OK, the decision was already made, just the carrying out of the decision and some discussion about how to execute the commitment. We talked a lot about the outcome.

Since the decision was already determined to be the best for Me, then why was it so hard to do? I have been delaying communicating this decision for over a week.

I had to be at peace with the way I carried out the communication.

I want to leave my part time job. I want to communicate some of my dissatisfaction with the company before I leave. but will it seem like sour grapes or unsportsmanlike conduct?

We decided that I would ask permission to speak freely about my reasons for departure during the exit interview. If they are not interested in hearing, then ok. if yes, then state my position and move on.

It also came to light that maybe a little role playing with my wife about the conversation will help me to make sure everything goes well.

So, another good session.

P, suggested the observation that I seem to be very busy with multiple jobs and home life. I agreed, then he suggested that I schedule leisure into my outlook. I agreed.

So friday is currently open right now. I am going to plan some family fun time.

2 action items came from the coaching session.

Lets see how it gets carried out!

Coach Sam