Put your HEART into Coaching and Teaching

Do you miss the days when you can go out and play at the playground?

Do you sometimes turn an eye with those gym warriors who left their sweat all over the thread mill?

At this juncture of time, let's reminisce for a few minutes on the world before COVID 19.

This isn't 1999 but 2020 where we (me and you) are experiencing so many new things in the past 6 months of the new decade. VUCA (Volatile, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity) which was originally used in 1987 and based on the leadership theories of Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus. The pandemic had claimed many lives (young and old) and created unprecedented crisis that the world ever faced.

Some countries had opened their economies earlier or later but nevertheless everyone is facing the new normal. Commuting with public transport, cinema goers, office work, labour work, leisure time, workouts and lifestyle had gone through a spin cycle like in a washing machine. Everyone comes out 'dry and clean.' I believe that regardless of the bleak situation I am able to make a difference in my life and others. As a coach and physical trainer, apart from taking the necessary precautions for my clients safety and mine, the next thing would to bring my HEART into my sessions.

HEART is an acronym which was shared to me at the many webinars that I attended during this period. I would like to reshare it with all you regardless of your profession right now because I felt it is important to bring back the HEART.

H - Humble

During my online sessions, I am open to feedbacks from my clients. The importance of allowing them to share their experiences and inputs helps me to grow as a person and as a coach. Learn to say, 'I do not have the answer for that but I am willing to find out for you so we can both learn from it.'

E- Empowering

I share with my clients on the exercises and movements during the physical training sessions. The sharing does not stop when the sessions are over. The clients receive information on food consumption and feedbacks on their personal achievements (achieving weight targets, repetition targets and others). This will definitely help them to stay motivated and open to challenges.

A - Authentic

The speaker of the webinar shared that it wearing your heart on your sleeve. During my online chats and sessions, I inject some humour into our sessions. This will reduce any tensions and build up the relationship. Being vulnerable does not mean that you pour heart out to your clients and students but just be yourself and present for them.

R - Responsible

The word responsible is made up of two words. 'Respond' and 'able.' Therefore, responsible is actually the ability to response. There will be days that your clients or students will not follow your sessions accordingly. The ability to response in these situation is more important now during this pandemic period. Allowing yourself to think before you react is an effective measure. You may also encourage them to take more responsible actions for themselves through creating of their personal action steps.

T - Transparency

Before every online sessions, I usually take a few minutes to align myself with the people that I am going to meet. Set aside the equipment preparation, I need to look after myself and practise what I preach to myself before espousing it to others. Being real will help in improving the transparency between yourself and your clients and students.

The HEART is a key factor during this pandemic period. I am sure through your heart, you will be able to reach out to many people as you can. If you have not try anything new this year, try using the HEART.

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