(Training provided by Wexford to NESTA | Spencer Institute) In this lesson we’ll look at important relationship qualities and issues that are core, to the daily work of a lifestyle and fitness coach. Most people are engaged in some form of a helping relationship each day. Some types of help occur informally and other types of help are more formal applications. On top of that expectations of those who help, vary according to where the help comes from family, a friend, or a professional. Typically professional helpers or coaches have greater responsibility throughout the helping process and are expected to be objective purposeful and knowledgeable. If we are considering how well we function within relationships and the coach and client relationship, a recent concept has emerged to help frame this relevant aspect of personal readiness and the ability and this is known as emotional intelligence. Now, because we have a greater understanding of this we are able to broaden our appreciation of human competencies. Emotional intelligence also states that critical elements of emotional intelligence include the degree to which an individual or your client has self-awareness and is able to end his/her self motivating. Also is capable of experiencing and expressing empathy and personal resources to promote growth through a positive coaching experience. It’s important for coaches to ask themselves, during the process of working with clients, if they’re acting in a way so that the client will perceive them as trustworthy. Other self-assessment items include allowing yourself to experience positive attitudes of warm and caring, showing interest and respect for clients. Coaches should also feel confident or strong enough as a person to separate themselves from their clients. Coaches should feel secure enough to permit clients to have their own space. Another skill to assess as the coaches ability is to empathize with the client’s feelings and perspectives without evaluating or judging them. A number of factors will shape or influence how the relationship forms and attentiveness and the use of their self-awareness in relation to his or her client. We’ll continue on in the next series of videos.
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