Transcript

NARRATOR

Here's an example of good summarising practise. In this example, you'll hear the coach using the same language and terminology as the client. And you'll also hear the coach keeping firmly to the client's agenda.

CLIENT

So as we discussed previously, I'm at a career crossroads now, and I really need to think about what direction to go in. I can stay where I am now and just progress in that area of project management. Or I can start to do something quite different, actually, which is to lead the people of a team and eventually have my own team, which is something that I find myself being more interested in lately.

COACH

So it sounds like you've done quite a bit of thinking on this and you've got a bit of clarity about the options. And it sounds at this stage as if you're beginning to favour the people management option.

CLIENT

I think I am. I do favour that. And I find it exciting, the thought of a new challenge. I do know, though, that I don't have the requisite qualifications. And also, I am a bit worried that my manager might think that-- I don't know-- I've got delusions of grandeur or something by thinking I can have my own team already.

COACH

So if I can just check my understanding of that. It sounds on the one hand you have that excitement and that you're relishing a bit of challenge.

CLIENT

Yes.

COACH

But I think I also heard, maybe, an assumption that you might be making that says something like, maybe I'm not sufficiently qualified at this stage.

CLIENT

hat's right. Yes. Yes. I think you're right. Am I being too ambitious? Will my manager think that I am-- I don't know-- deluding myself that I'm capable of this? I do think that I am good with people, though. And I have managed projects with people on them. And I have enjoyed it. And I have had good feedback.

COACH

So you're questioning yourself a bit about this, by the sound of it. And you're also concerned a little about what your manager in particular might be thinking about you.

CLIENT

Yes.

COACH

But I keep hearing your enthusiasm. In fact, I can hear it in your voice, actually. I can hear your enthusiasm for people, for managing people.

CLIENT

In my heart, I know that that is what I want to do.

COACH

In your heart.

CLIENT

Yes, I do want to do that. And I've been thinking about it for some time, and I've kept putting it off. But it's interesting you say that I look enthusiastic, because I do genuinely feel very keen to do that.

COACH

Yes, your voice had more energy, and your face had more animation when you were talking about it. It came through.

CLIENT

Yes. I just need to figure out what the next steps are, really, and to feel more confident that it's not a silly thing to pursue.

COACH

OK. So bottom line here, in terms of what we seem to be talking about, is being confident you're making the right decision for yourself and then thinking through what the plan is to go there.

CLIENT

Absolutely. That is what I need to do and not to worry so much about what other people think about that decision.

COACH

OK. So as part of our conversation, I guess, is about thinking about how you can be confident and not worry about what other people think.

CLIENT

I think that's exactly it.

COACH

OK.

CLIENT

Mm.