Photo by Shubham Dhage
The Preamble
People often ask me about the role of a coach, and while a comprehensive answer could fill a book, I'll distil it here. A good coach collaborates with you, delving into the issues you wish to address and the goals you aspire to achieve. In this dynamic, you contribute the content, and the coach contributes the process.
The unique skill of active listening can lead to newfound clarity, and a proficient coach employs powerful questions to unearth the core of your concerns, while also paraphrasing, summarising, and providing valuable feedback.
Moreover, effective coaches leverage proven tools, such as today's exercise—The Wheel of Life. This visual tool, while simple, offers a useful assessment of the balance and satisfaction in your life at this moment. While completing it independently holds value, the transformative power unfolds when a skilled coach queries your results.
The Exercise (with Visuals)
Draw a large circle on a piece of paper and divide the circle into 8 sections, like a cut-up pizza.
Label each section with a vital life area (e.g., Family and Friends, Life partner, Work, Finance, Health, Fun and Leisure, Personal Growth, Spirituality etc).
Use the lines from the centre to the circumference to rate satisfaction from 0 to 10.
Mark your satisfaction level on each line.
Connect the markings for each segment together.
The resulting shape may resemble a punctured ball, highlighting areas with lower satisfaction collapsed toward the centre.
The Reflection
Are you surprised by any of the results?
For highly rated areas, what contributes to the high score?
Identify strengths and resources you bring to the high-scoring areas.
Identify the values linked to areas of strength.
Repeat the process for other high-scoring areas and log your results.
Choose a lower-scoring area and consider the reasons for your score.
Contemplate what it would take to raise the score by 2 or 3 points.
Consider strengths from higher-scoring areas that could enhance lower-performing ones.
Are you prepared to take the necessary actions?
When working with a skilled coach, this exercise often initiates the coaching relationship, especially when clarity about goals is needed. Following this, the coach and coachee collaborate on goal setting, exploring the current situation, and defining actions for change.
The Wrap Up
In the realm of coaching, the Wheel of Life Exercise stands out as a powerful tool, allowing individuals to gain insights into the balance and satisfaction of various life domains.
When coupled with the insightful guidance of a coach, this exercise becomes a compass, directing you towards a path of purpose and achievement.
Unlock the full potential of the Wheel of Life and let the journey toward a more harmonious life begin.
James O'Boyle MBA MSc
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