One of the features of dialogic coaching is the sharing of ideas. If we were in a session, you would notice I don’t sit back — if I have ideas and there is space for them, I step up and explore them together. These are often just signs of my curiosity.
Dialogic coaching is about learning through dialogue — an important distinction between mentoring, facilitative coaching or consulting.
Here David Bohm paints an image of meaning flowing between us.
“Dialogue” comes from the Greek word dialogos. Logos means “the word,” or in our case we would think of the “meaning of the word.” And dia means “through” — it doesn’t mean “two.” The picture or image that this derivation suggests is of a stream of meaning flowing among and through us and between us.
I spend the majority of my coaching in this stream. Let’s see what that means if you were also getting your feet wet in a session with me.
⟶ We participate as equals and share the thinking space — we create a better understanding by sharing ideas and thinking aloud.
⟶ I don’t sit back — if I have ideas and space for them, I step up and explore them together. Far from a fixed answer, these are often just signs of my curiosity.
⟶ We work the challenge together — I understand the need for responsibility in coaching, and you might need a support partner to work things out.
⟶ Someone to bounce off — coaching with me is a creative process often involving problem-solving. We bounce ideas and questions off each other.
⟶ I guide you to action — we surface new insights during coaching. I believe clarity comes from action. You commit to the next steps. I hold you accountable. Repeat.
⟶ The stream of meaning reflects how we change — we consider the process and reflect on what works. We look up and downstream. Understanding how we grow and develop is essential.
Your Talking Points
- Which of these elements of dialogic coaching resonate?
- What stops you from reaching out to establish a coaching partnership?
- How much value is there is in seeking out a perspective from beyond your bubble?