Take the Risk

As coaches, we often encourage our clients to take risks to achieve their goals. But it’s equally important for us to take risks in our coaching approach. I like to call it skinny branch coaching—venturing out onto that precarious limb where the rewards are greatest, but so is the potential for failure.

People value coaching because they don’t want to just play it safe. They really want to have a breakthrough. To facilitate that, both coach and client have to be present, willing, and open-minded. We risk because we know that we can get stuck in a rut, and taking chances opens up new possibilities.

Creative approaches to coaching

One way I take risks in my coaching is by using creative techniques to bypass the rational mind. Metaphors are a powerful tool for this, helping clients see their situations from new perspectives. For example, I once used the metaphor of a backpack filled with heavy rocks to help a client visualize and address their burdens. I asked them to name a rock they could take out to feel lighter, and it led to a significant breakthrough.

I have a friend and fellow coach, Richard LeBoon, PhD, PCC, who calls himself the metaphor coach. We frequently have coffee, and I’m always asking him to tell me more about metaphors and what’s the latest on that. Richard often reminds me that sometimes the client brings the metaphor, and sometimes as the coach, we offer a metaphor. His insights have been invaluable in helping me refine my approach.

Using metaphors, singing, walking—any of these approaches can open up creativity. The key is finding ways to access different parts of the brain and unlock new insights.

Embracing failure

It’s important to remember that not every risk we take will pay off. Sometimes a metaphor or question will fall flat. But that’s okay—in fact, it can be really good when something flops, because it might lead the client to think of something else. We go forward bravely, knowing that the potential rewards outweigh the risks.

The coach’s role

As coaches, our job is to create a safe space for clients to take risks. We need to be willing to try new approaches, even if we’re not sure they’ll work. At the same time, we must be attuned to our clients’ comfort levels. Some people are more open to creative techniques, while others prefer a more straightforward approach.

The key is learning our clients—how they take in new information, how they process, how they think. This allows us to tailor our approach to what will be most effective for each individual.

In the end, coaching is about helping clients achieve breakthroughs and create positive change in their lives. Taking risks—both as coaches and clients—is often necessary to make that happen. By being willing to venture onto that “skinny branch,” we open up new possibilities and pathways to growth.

So the next time you’re coaching, I encourage you to take a risk. Try a new technique, ask that challenging question, or use an unexpected metaphor. You might be surprised at the breakthroughs that result.