Your Social Baseline - and why hills are less steep when walking with a colleague
As coaches, we embark on a transformational journey with our clients, supporting them toward meeting themselves, holding space for their growth, and accompanying them through new avenues.
Seen from the outside, prosperous coaches may seem like self-made, self-assured charismatic individuals. Yet, behind every successful coach lies a robust network of fellow professionals – a safe and empathic community that supports them. In the realm of coaching, professional networks are not just advantageous; they are indispensable. Let's explore why the sweetness of community is essential for thriving as a coach.
The Power of Connection
James A. Coan is a prominent psychologist known for his research on Social Baseline Theory. His work explores how humans operate more efficiently and how obstacles and physical pain are perceived less intense when in the presence of trusted others.
Hills seem less steep and pain less painful when holding hands with your best friend!
He found that social connections are crucial for regulating emotions and reducing stress. Nothing really new and yet, so easily forgotten when we try to go alone. Coan's findings confirm the importance of community and social support in all walks of life - whether we are coaches or clients. Accompaniment is key to our well-being.
This is what seven Needs-Based Coaches and I experienced last week at my country house in Denmark. Our circle represented six countries among the blossoming cherry trees.
Learning and Growth Opportunities
Among our activities were Nature Coaching with Anja Perl, a tour through the Circuits of Emotion and Motivation - the work of Jaak Panksepp - and Family Constellations.
In a spirit of wonder and awe, we all had opportunities to learn and grow while getting to know one another as real, embodied people. What a treat!
Peer Support and Collaboration
In our circle, there was a shared desire to build successful coaching practices. By sharing our triumphs, setbacks, and vulnerabilities, it felt like we lifted each other's doubts and loneliness collectively, making them feel less personal. This created a space of solidarity, care, and wonderings about potential collaboration
Having a good time
What's often overlooked when discussing the importance of professional networks is the joy of being together in the moments without an agenda. This might be the crucial aspect of self-care for us as coaches – embracing our silliness, giving in to the lightheartedness of the moment, and being inspired by others' life stories. In our circle of coaches, we shared a good belly laughter by the campfire and cherished quiet moments listening to the ever-singing creek, with pigeons and blackbirds greeting the sunset.
The list of advantages of having a formal professional network is much longer. Motivation to step into new territories and accountability when hesitation catches you. Sharing ideas and experiences—from booking and accounting systems to inspirational talks and conferences. Referrals and business opportunities. Brainstorming about and direct collaboration on events. Feedback before launching a new business idea or blog post.
As The Hope Elder says: “The time of the lone wolf is over.”
Cultivating Your Coaching Community - How to?
To experience the sweetness of community and grow robustness as a coach, consider the following strategies for creating and nurturing your professional network:
Stay connected to 2-3 peers from the programs you have participated in. Reach out to those you felt most inspired by, or whom you had an easygoing connection with. Practice regularly. Allow the relationships to develop.
Join Coaching Associations: Explore reputable coaching associations and organizations that offer networking events, resources, and professional development opportunities, notice whom you click with, and connect directly with them. You may get a ‘no’. You will not get a ‘yes’ if you don’t ask!
Attend festivals and workshops: Invest in attending conferences, workshops, and seminars where you can connect with fellow coaches, thought leaders, and potential collaborators. Don’t underestimate the breaks by the buffet! Or the breakouts during online events!
Participate in Online Forums: Engage in online forums, discussion groups, and social media communities dedicated to coaching where you can share insights, connect with like-minded professionals. Ask questions. Allow yourself to be seen.
Seek Supervision and Mastermind Groups: Build relationships with experienced coaches who can offer mentorship, guidance, and support on your coaching journey. Additionally, participate in peer coaching circles or mastermind groups for mutual learning and growth.
Give Back to Your Community: Contribute to the growth and success of your coaching community by offering your expertise, support, and mentorship to fellow coaches. By paying it forward, you strengthen your connections and enrich your community's collective experience.
A professional community is not a passive result of your success as a self-sustained coach; it’s an imperative for you to develop towards success (in whatever way you define success).
Cultivating your community is not just a part of your obligatory self-care scheme, it also magnifies your impact - and the impact of your colleagues. So, let us lean into the power of connection, nurture our relationships, and sow the seeds of collaboration and collective success within our coaching community. Let us create a world where every coach thrives, every client is accompanied and empowered, and every community is transformed. Yes!
In the next month, we launch the next edition of our 6-month Coaching Training. Are you curious about what we covered in our program? Find out more here: Needs-Based Coaching Foundation Training.
