I'm frequently asked, "What's your secret weapon for coaching. What's the number one tool or strategy you use?" I think people want a response such as, "It's active listening," or "I always plan for coaching conversations," something concrete and replicable. After some reflection, I've identified my secret coaching weapon. It's compassion. Working from this stance has made a night and day difference in my coaching practice.

When I'm training coaches, some say things like, "I will never be able to coach like you!" I always respond with this: "These are just skills. I learned this. I wasn't always able to coach like this. I have learned and practiced and practiced and you too can develop these skills." The majority nod and agree. They know they can learn.

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