Present and Post-COVID Coaching for a New Normal

Adjusting to the new normal of COVID.

It's been over seven months (counting from about March 2020) when the COVID pandemic lockdown was announced in America. While not all states fully adhered to CDC warnings or guidelines, overall, most businesses, communities, and individuals tried to adjust to a “new normal.” Coaches were not immune. Both internal and external coaches have had to dig into letting go, accepting change, and being resilient under the unknown. In this post, I share my thoughts on where we are and what we can do within present and post-COVID coaching as many of our clients and colleagues are identifying ways to be with our new normal.

It is safe to say we are “in” the pandemic and there are rumors of a second wave alongside the influenza season. So, this is our present state. Both coaches and their clients are working through “big” emotions and the unknown. Therefore, post-COVID may be some time away and we still need to find a mindset that supports us in the present, while future goal planning. Many of us want to know when we will get back to “normal?” How do I manage my emotional triggers in the coaching session? How can I help my clients navigate their emotions without crossing the therapy or counseling line? I am sure as a coach you have asked these questions. I know I have.

Plus, the stress of figuring out how to safely return to school and work, going out, and living life is still feeling questionable for some. If you add other life events (the election, the economy, etc.) there is a lot of uncertainty about the future. As a coach, it is important to be cognizant of how the situation impact people setting and achieving goals with anxiety and uncertainty hanging over their heads. How can we as coaches help our clients (but also ourselves) navigate the unknown and fears present and post-COVID?

First You: Managing your self-care happens both inside and outside the coaching session. That should be a priority. Furthermore, having a mindset of change and ways to adapt is prudent.

1. As a coach, it's important to check your mindset. How are you showing up? What are you experiencing? You cannot help your clients if you are not in the right mind frame or if you are riddled with anxiety or big emotions. Sit with what comes up. Understand and observe what you feel or are experiencing. How is it triggered? Then, identify what makes sense for you to navigate what you feel.

2. Make sure you take care of yourself. Find something that gives you mental and physical relief. You can schedule 30 minutes a day, two hours a day, or maybe take a day off during the week. Whatever you do, it's about you and setting time for yourself to process. Things that might be helpful: painting, journaling, reading positive or encouraging books or articles, meditation, exercise, or tapping into your faith or belief system. Also, watch what you eat. Make food and lifestyle choices that provide natural energy when you need it. Drink lots of water and get sufficient rest.

3. Maintain a sense of social connection. While you may not be able to have face-to-face experiences, you can use virtual platforms. Talk to another coach. Do virtual lunches, dinners, or happy hour. Put together a virtual coffee meetup. Or join industry-related organizations, like the International Coaching Federation. They have chapters worldwide and most chapters have meetups, professional development, and events to help you learn, grow, and stay connected. As researchers for a study on using the virtual platform Unmasked at Cornell point out, virtual connection helps with reducing COVID isolation and feeling lonely. Likewise, Guttman (2020) provided insight into how technology can be a source to engage socially and safely to help reduce loneliness.

4. Take a fast from social media and news. We are bombarded with information about the pandemic, economy, social unrest, and a host of other news. Some info is bleak and confusing. So, it is important to limit your exposure. You can try to fast or minimize how often you need to be on social media. I fast 24-hours straight each week and unplug from social media. And I try to minimize my daily social media consumption to less than three hours a day. Identify what you need to feel in harmony. You can also replace this time you are saving with more self-care focus.

5. Be clear about your new normal. Many people want life to go back to the way it was. However, the reality is there is no going back. There will be a new way to engage. There will be changes in how we work, play, and live. It's ok. Therefore, we will need to let go of the past to see a new future. Remembering that change is an inevitable, important first step to adjusting to what you define as your new normal post-COVID.

6. Share with your clients. Let your clients know your truth. Be transparent about how you are handling your triggers. This gives the client a sense that they are not alone. It also gives your clients permission to express how they feel, too.

For your clients: It's all about their mindset. How your client sees the present and the future, and how they feel about themselves and their potential, will impact their actions and how they tap into resources, help themselves, or take action.

1. Help your clients “be” with strong emotions. Often in coaching, we shy away from emotions. Or we want to move our clients past the emotional triggers. However, a lot can be understood when we help our clients make connections to what they feel and what might be holding them back. And, if triggers are coming from COVID-related experiences, identify ways to help your clients build resilience.

2. If needed, help your clients create a “new normal” for themselves. Just as you need to be clear about how you adjust, your clients may need to do the same. Work with clients on developing a vision plan now and make small, measurable goals towards how to adjust.

3. Coach in the moment. Your client may come to you with a specific agenda. However, hold space for shifting gears, dealing with triggers or emotions, or agenda changes. Listen actively to what the client is saying and look for those coachable moments, patterns, themes, or connections between emotions and behaviors. Do not be afraid to “deep-dive” and ask curious questions.

4. Apply a culturally sensitive coaching approach. Remember that culture and belief systems inform us how clients think, feel, and make choices. As such, people may respond to the pandemic based on their cultural or social identity. So, be mindful of how culture or social identity influences the client’s worldview and goal attainment process.

5. Help your clients identify clear, realistic actions to distinguish between what they can do now and what they want to do later. Then, brainstorm ways to maximize current resources or identify new ones.

Finally, keep in mind that there will be an end to the pandemic. But this does not mean we will go back to how things used to be. Make this a reminder for you and your clients. Keep in mind the goal of adaption for present and post-COVID coaching is for both you and your clients to center awareness on change (a future state), letting go, and resilience. Partner with your client in creating what this state looks like. And be sure to do the same for yourself as a coach.

by Dawn C. Reid Ph.D., ACC

Coaching Corner

References:

Guttman, C. (2020). How Cloud Technology Unites People Separated by COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.nutanix.com/theforecastbynutanix/technology/how-technology-helps-connect-people-reduce-social-isolation

Lin, J. (2020). Virtual Platform Aims to Counteract Pandemic-Induced Social Isolation. Retrieved from https://cornellsun.com/2020/10/02/virtual-platform-aims-to-counteract-pandemic-induced-social-isolation/

Reid, D. (2020). Are Your Ready for Cultural Sensitivity Coaching? Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/coaching-corner/202006/are-we-ready-cultural-sensitivity-coaching