Generally, when one learns what constitutes key coaching skills there is no major surprise as the concepts seem simple – questioning, listening, clarifying, acknowledging, validating etc. Even as one goes deeper such as empowering questions and intuitive listening, people will still offer a nod of understanding as to what these mean. However execution of these skills does not come as natural and why is that?

The main reason is that effective execution of these simple concepts is counter intuitive to how we are brought up. Although Read more »

Through various research studies the inherent link between employee engagement and emotional intelligence has become quite accepted. However what is also emerging is that by placing the emphasis entirely on leadership demonstrating emotionally intelligent behavior in pursuit of the “engaged workforce”, an important element is being overlooked.

What about the “disengaged” employee? Are they influenced solely by how their manager behaves? Don’t they have their role to play in this as well? In addressing these questions it becomes apparent that the element that speaks to this missing link is Motivation.Read more »

Have you ever been at a meeting where there might be some tension which is contributing to a less than productive interaction?  Somebody has said the wrong thing or done something that exception is taken to and, before you know it, the meeting is going down hill rapidly.

What in fact has happened is that a stimulus, whether a word or action, has caused a drain in energy for many in the room and they become emotionally disconnected.  This manifests itself in a mood shift where people are no longer listening, not wanting to contribute and certainly not receptive to taking Read more »

Rachel O’h-Uiginn, Undercurrent Coaching

Part IV of a series of articles focusing on the integration of social media in a coaching practice.

If you’re a new coach starting out, or a veteran in need of a re-vamp online, creating a blog is a simple and effective way to build a wider online audience.

Entry into the blogosphere is simple and sites like Wordpress, Tumblr & Blogger can have you up and running in less than ten minutes. Many people opt for using a blog as Read more »

By Rachel O’h-Uiginn, Undercurrent Coaching

Part III of a series of articles focusing on the integration of social media in a coaching practice.

The Facebook “Like” button is quickly become a cultural icon. A little thumbs up goes a long way, so why not give your coaching business that extra boost of confidence? Creating and promoting your practice via a Facebook page will help contribute to a community online with your brand at the center.

When managing your Facebook page, consider these approaches: Tell; don’t sell, quality content and positive interaction.

The Read more »

By Rachel O’h-Uiginn, Undercurrent Coaching

Part II of a series of articles focusing on the integration of social media in a coaching practice.

Implementing a social media strategy in your coaching practice will increase your online visibility and help enhance the relationship between current and potential clients. Like any successful endeavor, it helps to have a plan of action. Consider these four pillars of an effective communication strategy: mission, message, medium & management.

Mission: What is the purpose of your coaching practice? How is this being expressed to current/potential clients? A Read more »

By: Rachel O’h-Uiginn, Undercurrent Coaching

Part I of a series of articles focusing on the integration of social media in a coaching practice.

Social media is an indispensable tool in today’s interconnected world. Those who want to build a successful coaching practice should pay close attention to this new medium of modern life because it’s a reflection of our very basic human need to connect with others. With 4.5 billion active social-media accounts world-wide, it’s understandable that all this can seem overwhelming and you may be thinking “Where do I start? Does it really matter? I don’t even GET it!”

Social media Read more »

How do people perceive you and how important is this really? The predominant relationships within a business environment are typically with one’s boss, peers and direct reports. They could also be customers, vendors, shareholders, etc. The quality of these relationships is formed primarily from the perceptions that exist between parties. And if it’s not good, it can do untold damage to reputation and more critically one’s ability to perform and succeed.

The secret is that in order to change another person’s perception of you, you have Read more »

Do you want to be a coach or do you want to create a coaching business? Your answer to this question will have a huge bearing on where you place your emphasis and consequently your likelihood of business success.

If you are relatively new to the profession of coaching and are doing this with a view to getting clients and establishing a practice of your own, here are a few key tips.

1. Be fully committed to building a business first

Most new businesses irrespective of service or product rarely generate revenue straight out of the gate. So commit yourself 100% to Read more »

Having been immersed in the profession of coaching for almost seven years I would like to share with you a brief assessment on its current state under a few broad categories.

The Market – Coaching as a profession still remains at an evolutionary stage in its development and understanding. The market is characterized by multiple individuals creating their own coaching practice with a minimal amount of collaboration. This is meeting the needs of the individual coaches but is preventing the profession from creating the scale Read more »