First Day of Coaching: A Moment of Connection
First Day of Coaching: A Moment of Connection
The first steps into coaching often reveal much more than techniques. They awaken our intuition, presence, and deep connection with others. In this touching journal entry, our alumna Angela Cristea shares the surprising moment that marked the beginning of her journey as a coach: a moment of silent resonance, where words weren’t needed to be understood.
How It All Started
I had no idea, when I started coaching, that I was embarking on a journey that would transform my life.
A friend I had not seen for about 20 years told me about coaching: he had changed his job, and now he was a coach, which seemed to make him very happy. He was telling me how his clients’ lives changed as a result of coaching. Then he added, in passing, that he was going to start a new course. Without thinking too much, I asked the school contacts and signed up.
At the beginning of the course, when I was sitting in a circle, I had a sense of familiarity, although I did not know anyone else. It was like a meeting of ‘old souls’.
After a brief introduction of what coaching is and what is not, we were divided into triads to get started and the coaches were told not to say a word but to accompany the client, “coaching style”.
The First Coaching Session: A Surprising Connection
My client was telling the story, when suddenly in my mind arose the impossible question “why.” The customer replied immediately: “Yes, I know, you ask me why, but …”. I had heard my thoughts …
Did I Really Ask? The Power of Presence
After the session, we gathered in the ‘big hora’ to share our experiences after our first coaching session. I also told myself the story with the client who heard my thoughts. “But you asked me why.”, My client said. “No, I did not ask.” I responded laughing. “Yes, I know I heard you,” he insisted. (“Did I ask?”). The facilitator intervened and asked the observer (how well the observer exists!), Who confirmed that no questions had been asked during the coaching session. “I was sure I heard the question …” the client mumbled.
I had no idea, when I started coaching, that I was embarking on a journey that would transform my life.
A friend I had not seen for about 20 years told me about coaching: he had changed his job, and now he was a coach, which seemed to make him very happy. He was telling me how his clients’ lives changed as a result of coaching. Then he added, in passing, that he was going to start a new course. Without thinking too much, I asked the school contacts and signed up.
At the beginning of the course, when I was sitting in a circle, I had a sense of familiarity, although I did not know anyone else. It was like a meeting of ‘old souls’.
After a brief introduction of what coaching is and what is not, we were divided into triads to get started and the coaches were told not to say a word but to accompany the client, “coaching style”.
My client was telling the story, when suddenly in my mind arose the impossible question “why.” The customer replied immediately: “Yes, I know, you ask me why, but …”. I had heard my thoughts …
After the session, we gathered in the ‘big hora’ to share our experiences after our first coaching session. I also told myself the story with the client who heard my thoughts. “But you asked me why.”, My client said. “No, I did not ask.” I responded laughing. “Yes, I know I heard you,” he insisted. (“Did I ask?”). The facilitator intervened and asked the observer (how well the observer exists!), Who confirmed that no questions had been asked during the coaching session. “I was sure I heard the question …” the client mumbled.
Angela Cristea, Alumni and Certified Coach, One2Coach
Author
Angela Cristea is a certified coach and One2Coach alumna, known for her sensitivity, intuition, and ability to be fully present. Her coaching journey began with deep connection and curiosity.
Angela Cristea is a certified coach and One2Coach alumna, known for her sensitivity, intuition, and ability to be fully present. Her coaching journey began with deep connection and curiosity.