Work around the Inner Critic, The
Saboteur, or Gremlin is at the core of many coaching processes
and models. As
we move through a process of change it’s useful to remember that the Inner
Critic surfaces, making it known that change is afoot.
The Inner Critic can take many
forms, and is an internal voice the coaching client will hear when change is
happening. From saying “you are not good enough” to “who will care”, the inner
critic is often grounded in our core identity, values and belief systems. The
voice of the inner critic will point to different perspectives, as well as
assumptions at play.
At different stages of the coaching
process, it will be important to identify when the Inner Critic is showing up
and to determine how you want to address it. Unchecked, the Inner Critic can
derail the best plans, getting in the way of action and progress. It can be a
signal that there is deeper work to be undertaken around mindsets, beliefs and
assumptions.
In a group coaching context, it is
likely that the inner critic is getting activated at different times as group
members hit different stages in the coaching process. Our approach to working
with the inner critic may also be variable. Some clients may want to take a
playful, exploratory approach with the Inner Critic, by giving it a shape, or a
voice. Others may want to box the inner critic, while others may want to banish
them. Given that the inner critic is part of ourselves, and may be a signal of
protection, it’s important to gain more experience and tools in this area.
While an entire team may have
limiting beliefs, there may not be one voice of the inner critic which exists
in a team context. As such, inner critic work may be more pervasive in the team
context than the group context.
For more on inner critic, do check
out these resources:
Taming Your Gremlin -Rick Carson
Positive Intelligence - Shirzad
Chamine
Questions to consider :
1. What
inner critics are surfacing as you move through change?
2. What
do they look like? Give them a voice, a dress, notice their manners…
3. What
changes are the inner critic signalling?
4. As
you move through change, what is the inner critic wanting to hold onto?
5. What
would be a more empowering belief for you?
6. What’s
another way of approaching change?
Enjoy the exploration,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC – Potentials Realized
Leadership | Teamwork | Business Success
Author of Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), Coaching Business Builder Workbook and Planner (2018) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013)
Follow along with the #90DaysPlanDoTrack series over at Instagram @CoachingBizBuilder
Join the conversation at the Conversation Sparker Zone - our online community where you can explore virtual and team issues, coaching, productivity and business development)
Leadership | Teamwork | Business Success
Author of Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), Coaching Business Builder Workbook and Planner (2018) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013)
Follow along with the #90DaysPlanDoTrack series over at Instagram @CoachingBizBuilder
Join the conversation at the Conversation Sparker Zone - our online community where you can explore virtual and team issues, coaching, productivity and business development)
Join us for an upcoming ICF CCE approved program - Group Coaching Essentials (8.75 CCEs), Advanced Group and Team Coaching Practicum ( 10 CCEs) or the Certified Facilitator Program (24 CCEs) for PlanDoTrack and the Coaching Business Builder starting this coming week.
