Coach Yourself First

Book excerpt: Why is self-reflection critical for coaches and supervisors? How could you enhance you self-reflection capability? What approaches, models and tools could you use to self reflect? Coach Yourself First provides a balance of theory and practical guidance to support coaches and coach supervisors on their journey of improving their ability to self-reflect in their practice. It describes the contextual theory relating to self-reflection and provides a variety of approaches, models and tools covering the different learning styles which coaches can use to develop new awareness and insight. Starting with a description of the history of the theory of self-reflection, it continues through to its use in healthcare, teaching and education-based professions. Links are made with the core competencies of coaching and the research evidence base which proves the benefits of self-reflection. Coach Yourself First is interwoven with personal stories and insights from the author which add a richness and real world perspective to the practical guidance provided through a variety of approaches to self-reflection including creative tools, reflective writing techniques, reflective metaphors, reflective poetry, sand play, and a number of visual approaches. Bursting with helpful advice for all skill levels, it will appeal to novice and established coaches alike.