COACHING & THE PANDEMIC
OVERVIEW OF MARCH 2020 ZOOM VIDEOCONFERENCES
Key insights, findings, commentary and feedback from two global videoconferences conducted on March 25th & 31st, 2020 by Goal Imagery Institute.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of the videoconferences was for coaches to share ideas for helping others — and themselves — during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic.
The two virtual meetings attracted 380 registrations with a combined total of nearly 200 attendees comprised largely of students, alumni, and Goal Imagery® Institute’s global coaching community.
The Directors of the Institute, Marianna Lead, MCC and Allexis Reis, PCC, moderated the first meeting from which an outline of key discussion topics was generated for the second meeting. The second meeting was used to elaborate and expand upon those initial findings.
The following is a comprehensive overview of the collective ideas, findings, insights, discussion topics, and commentary from both videoconferences — as well as general feedback from the participants, additional notes and resources, and potential next steps.
AUDIO RECORDINGS:
— The MP3 audio recording of the first meeting is available here >
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tdv7kpx8k1kzoq0/GII_Coaching%20%26%20the%20Pandemic.mp3?dl=0
— The MP3 of the second meeting is available here >
https://www.dropbox.com/s/he2ls1n8ildyvby/Testing%20Pandemic%20Audio.mp3?dl=0
KEY FINDINGS, TOPICS & INSIGHTS:
1) FIGHTING STRESS TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
— Marianna addressed the need to reduce stress in order to help boost our clients’ (and our own) immune systems, which is particularly important during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
— In the second meeting, Marianna elaborated further on this point, stating that the use of imagery (and, in fact, any form of relaxation, such as a simple breathing exercise) prior to the coaching session — could be very beneficial in this unsettling environment.
— When using imagery, rather than taking a chance that the stress and anxiety clients may be experiencing might cause clients to conjure up negative thoughts or images, Mariana suggested having clients recall positive, peaceful memories from their past.
— Another stress reducer is simply listening to relaxing and/or uplifting music. It can actually create physical changes in the brain.
— “Healing Ourselves & Our Planet” — Video
Both meetings included a preview of a new meditation video which had recently been posted on the homepage of the Goal Imagery Institute website. The video was written and narrated by GII’s Founder/Executive Director, Marianna Lead, MCC. (See video on www.Goalimagery.com ).
Participants in both groups enjoyed the meditation and felt it could be useful during this stressful period — for themselves as well as their clients. Marianna invited them to
use the 5-minute video as a coaching tool, generally at the beginning of their sessions or as a homework meditation resource.
Chat Comments:
From Candy Cousimano: amazing. so relaxing!
From Lindsay Luttrell: I closed my eyes and did it and it was so loving!
From Ugochi Okorie: Wonderful meditation! Grounded and centered.
From Haitham Diab: Thanks Marianna, I think this will help me a lot.
From Catherine Ruiz: Refreshed and wonderful departure from the stress of this all!
From Edana Spicker: I like it. It’s energizing when so many meditations are calming which is also good of course.
From Thomas Yates: Beautiful affirmation of warmth and healing.
2) MEETING THE NEED FOR COACHING
— Due to the unprecedented disruption in the daily lives of people around the planet, the Coronavirus Pandemic is creating a tremendous need for coaching as people and organizations try to cope with — and adapt to — the rapid, unsettling changes.
— At the same time, it is forcing coaches to be more creative, flexible, and resourceful than ever in addressing this need.
— While many individuals and organizations are reducing or eliminating their use of coaches, others may be open to hiring coaches to help them, their employees, or essential frontline workers (such as those in health care) through this difficult period. In fact, some organizations are actually reaching out to their trusted coaches — to help their employees adapt to the challenges of working productivity from home.
— Some of our fellow coaches may be in need of coaching during this challenging period, especially those working with healthcare professionals and other frontline workers. Many attendees indicated an interest in offering their services (for free or exchange of coaching services. Goal Imagery® Institute invites you to ask and/or offer coaching sessions via our ICF Mentors & Mentees LinkedIn group at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4018832/.
3) OFFERING SPECIAL PRICING & FREE SESSIONS
— Many coaches have been offering (on a temporary basis) free pandemic-related sessions and/or reduced rates (often via sliding scales) to help their clients cope with the pandemic.
Participants discussed the various ways in which they might offer these free and/or discounted services and what they might need to consider when doing so.
— Some coaches who offered free coaching sessions to help their clients had a challenge with their clients identifying the goal of their sessions, often because these clients were more likely to use the session to complain — as opposed to paying clients who will be more likely to have a general topic to focus on, if not a specific goal for the session.
Marianna suggested that, at the beginning of each session, coaches ask their clients how many minutes do they need to complain (or, as another coach called it: “BMW” — bitch, moan, and whine) in order to have their fears, anxieties, and concerns validated — and to then move on to more productive things.
— Most coaches thought it would be helpful to ask these pro bono or heavily discounted clients to come to the session with a specific topic or goal in mind.
— One executive coach mentioned how much her client, the CEO of a startup that was greatly impacted by the pandemic, appreciated her offer to waive her fees for the time being. She believed it would pay off in the long run. (“It just feels like the right thing to do…helping (my client) stay connected to her long-term goal…being able to really support her through this time, I think is great for us as well as for them.”)
— Some coaches wondered how to deal with the challenge of returning to their original fee agreement after having reduced fees so dramatically. One coach suggested being transparent upfront. (“I know your situation now is very difficult. And I feel ready to help you in this situation (by reducing my fees). And when we are back to normal, we also go back to a normal relationship regarding our fees.”)
— In the past, one coach has made “scholarships” available to those she feels could use them — and will continue to do so. “I simply say, hey, there’s a scholarship available, would you be interested?”)
— Another coach was pleasantly surprised when her corporate clients refused
to accept her offer to temporarily reduce her rates — because they found her services so valuable. However, making the offer was “a great relationship builder” that showed she really cared about her long-term clients.
Chat Comments:
From Antanien Slomba: I am offering half-price to those who are out of work due to pandemic. It’s working out well. My clients have a goal when they arrive at the session. Otherwise, it’s more like counseling.
From Cheryl Kehoe: I’ve been thinking of offering free sessions & I was pondering the same thing. What I had come up with was asking them to briefly describe their objective upfront to ensure it was one I could truly provide help for.
From Helene Manaud: I offered 4 free sessions for specific targets: help in solving impacts of remote and sudden transformative work, for leaders or small teams.
From Georgina Halabi: I offered some pro-bono work for small business owners who were struggling but got them to answer 4 or 5 focussed questions to filter out the ones who weren’t serious.
From Bob Barry: I like the idea of offering a free session to focus on the pandemic.
From Tammy Steele: love the idea of pro bono for the health service industry!
From Catherine Ruiz: A nominal fee will bring a perception of greater value.
From Edana Spicker: I am only offering one free session to former clients and they can gift it to someone in more need at this time. I am open to offering a lower cost or sliding scale for people in need, however, we all need to set the example that we need to earn money to sustain ourselves and participate in the economy, etc.
From Helene Manaud: What about proposing individuals (not companies) a responsible contribution at the beginning pf the coaching? I ask them to make their own price. I‘ve never been disappointed.
From Nadia Allam: I donate pro bono coaching to the health service industry. And have offered myself to do phone calls for those who are alone and feel isolated.
Helene Manaud: I have offered parents 1 free session to gather all the questions of their children
From Emmanuella Stamiri: For those in financial difficulty due to crisis, I’m offering a two month 50% discount off the bat. I am also encouraging all clients to reach out with specific requests (eg. free sessions, H2H conversation, exercises -meditations) depending on their circumstances and needs at this time.
From Peter Scott: Charging is appropriate for normal business practices, but this is not normal times. A lot of people will have lost money, possibly their jobs/livelihoods, so my view is CV-19 help should be given and limit & control what amount of help you will give.
4) PROVIDING CORPORATELY-SPONSORED COACHING SESSIONS
— Jachin Merrill shared with the group his success in approaching corporate clients with the idea of having them sponsor free coaching sessions for healthcare workers. He scaled back his fees slightly, offering reductions for various size packages of coaching sessions.
— The concept was well-received by the participants who offered suggestions to broaden the scope to include other worthy/needy individuals (e.g., other frontline workers / first responders; clients of the corporation, or simply anyone severely impacted by the pandemic.)
— Coaches could be compensated for their services in various ways including, but not limited to:
- Full price (perhaps offering the sponsor the ability to write-off the full amount as a charitable donation)
- Discounted rates (based on the number of sessions offered per week/month)
- A 50/50 matching program — donating 50% of the regular value of their services in exchange for the sponsoring organization picking up the other half of the cost.
- Packaging donations of pro bono coaching (offered in both the coach’s and the sponsor’s names) in exchange for receiving executive coaching assignments from the sponsor (e.g., providing one free hour of coaching to frontline workers— at no charge to the sponsor or recipient — for every X hour(s) of paid executive coaching to the corporation’s management team).
Chat Comments:
From Tammy Steele: I have had donors give scholarships for coaching.
From Helene Manaud: It could maybe be interesting to ask wealthy companies to fund coaching for some of their subcontractors…those who are in bad shape.
5) OFFERING FREE GROUP SESSIONS
— Rather than reducing her coaching rates, one coach invites all her clients and contacts to free weekly online chats (a morning coffee chat and afternoon / after work chat) to discuss a variety of pandemic-related topics. These are not coaching sessions but simply a forum for connecting and sharing experiences.
— As a way of attracting new clients to replace lost clients who can no longer afford coaching, it was suggested that coaches provide free group coaching sessions (to their connections on social media, etc.) on coping with the pandemic.
NOTE: This overview will provide a good foundation for coaches to create such group sessions.
6) REACHING OUT TO CLIENTS
— The group discussed the value of simply reaching out to clients with a heartfelt message — letting them know you’re available to talk about their feelings and concerns about the coronavirus, rather than just focusing on the subjects they may traditionally address in their sessions.
— Marianna pointed out that some clients (executive or career coaching clients in particular) may feel they need permission to speak about such non-business-related topics.
— After reaching out with an email letting clients know “I’m here and I care,” one executive coach (Jachin Merrill) immediately received “an influx of extra calls” from his clients wanting to talk about what’s happening and how they’re feeling about the coronavirus. Jachin’s simple, heartfelt message “opened the door to a lot of things” for him.
Chat Comment:
From Edana Spicker: I am reaching out to my clients simply asking how they are and if I can be of help. Keep it simple. If they are interested in some coaching, I am honest and say I am more open to lower fees during this time for people who need it. For those who can afford it they pay a regular price or near it. “Pay what you can” for now.
— In addition to the more general approach (i.e., simply announcing “I’m here and I care…How can I help?”), others suggested contacting businesses with specific ideas for how coaching can help them and/or their employees through this period. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to soften your “pitch” by showing a similar sense of empathy and concern.
— A coach who works primarily with children has been calling their parents (“just checking in to see if everyone is healthy”) and letting to them know she’s available to help them prepare for the next school year, once things get back to normal.
AUTHENTICITY IS KEY
— Marianna stressed the importance of “being authentic” and to avoid appearing to be exploiting the situation (i.e., playing on people’s fears and anxieties, or being overtly and/or inappropriately promotional).
Chat Comment:
From Tammy Steele: Authenticity is the bottom line – so true, Marianna.
7) HELPING CLIENTS SHIFT TO WORKING FROM HOME
Group discussed ways to help clients (or their employees) shift from home mode to work mode — especially in a home filled with children.
— Changing into work-like attire (or at least wearing pants vs pajamas)
— Moving furniture to create a more private workspace (perhaps by moving the kitchen or dining room table up against a wall).
— Helping them set up workspaces to match their MBTI personality types.
8) HELPING OTHERS IS HEALING FOR CLIENTS & COACHES ALIKE
— If appropriate, encourage clients to help others as a way of doing good and feeling good in return. (This also applies to coaches.)
— Maria Busch, PCC, put it beautifully: “Once you get through the initial part of the conversation about how they feel, if it’s appropriate, help them identify opportunities for how they can reach out to other people and to help other people. It will make them feel in control. It will make them feel good. It will make them feel like they have some influence… Doing good for others…It’s not just (for) us, it’s our clients, too.”
— Marianna noted that, according to Positive Psychology, helping others brings happiness.
Chat Comments:
From Tammy Steele: So true – helping others brings happiness in its truest form.
From Nadia Allam: Yes!! Try to find a network where you can donate (example: https://www.standbesidethem.org)
— ADDITIONAL NOTE:
How Offering and Receiving Support Are Good for Your Heath
According to a recent article in the Washington Post (see link below) — whether you are the recipient or the giver — kindness, compassion, and support are good for your health. Studies have shown that a supportive phone call and an empathetic ear can literally bolster the immune system on a molecular level.
In fact, simply knowing you have access to support — or just thinking about a supportive person (such as a coach) can activate a part of the brain called the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which is associated with overcoming fear. Scientists call this the “buffering effect.” The sense of security that people get helps them meet stressful situations with calmer physiology that can lead to a stronger immune system.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/03/31/coronavirus-human-connection-social-distancing/?
9) HELPING CLIENTS WHO ARE FEELING ISOLATED
— The groups discussed helping clients who are being forced to stay at home find ways to connect virtually with people and groups that bring them joy, support, value, etc. — and how coaches could help themselves by making those connections as well.
Marianna suggested that coaches investigate the various coaching groups on Facebook and LinkedIn to connect with other coaches for support.
Chat Comments:
From Darina Nikolov: I’ve heard the description of the current situation not as social distancing but physical distancing and time for more social closeness. A great example is this zoom meeting, sharing, and support. And humor is great, with the kids at home too, creates closeness.
From Tammy Steele: Yes Darina! I love that too. We are home helping others, not isolating ourselves!
From Bob Barry: I am in discussion with my pastor how I might be able to offer free 15-minute sessions via ZOOM, with any members of the congregation who might like to experience coaching to address fears and concerns. We are not meeting for services currently, so many people may feel lonely and want someone who will offer support and help them be calm.
From Allison Ennis: Maybe a positive, daily TikTok or Facebook challenge. (Example: “Today’s social closeness challenge: Call at least one friend you have spoken to in a while.” Or “Today’s social closeness challenge: Take your dog for a walk.”
That would give them a sense of contribution, a sense of connectedness, and gives people something to do that is positive. And if it’s connected to and coming from your coaching business, it’s a way to be active and keep your name out there without asking for their business.
10) FINDING SILVER LININGS
— Helping clients find positive aspects of “sheltering at home” (e.g., using the opportunity to do things they might not have had time for before: organizing closets, long-term planning, household repairs, gardening, tweaking their resume, creating a fitness routine, etc.)
— Helping businesses use this time for strategic planning so they can better survive the next disaster.
— Many people are finding themselves reconnecting with people whom they have fallen out of communication. It might help to reach out with an email or phone call.
11) USING STRENGTH-BASED COACHING
— Marianna suggested using your clients’ character strengths (aka Strength-Based Coaching) to adapt to their sudden change in routine — e.g., working remotely, being home all day with children, overcoming feelings of isolation, uncertainty, anxiety, etc.
Rather than spend much of the coaching session listening to your clients complaining or focusing on the fears and anxieties associated of living through the pandemic, she also suggested coaches might use their clients’ strengths to help them refocus and shift to a more positive, constructive mindset.
— She also suggested that coaches be vulnerable and reveal their human side. This will help their clients feel more comfortable about opening up in ways they might not otherwise.
12) USING HUMOR TO FIGHT STRESS & BOOST IMMUNITY
— Look for ways of helping our clients (and ourselves) maintain a sense of humor. Laughter is a great stress reducer that helps support the immune system to fight off infection.
— Marianna suggested that coaches could use direct communication with their clients: (“We all know a sense of humor is uplifting and that it reduces stress. What are your thoughts about that?” That can open up the door to clients exploring how they use their sense of humor or how they can bring more laughter into their lives — perhaps simply by watching something funny on TV.
— One coach had great success having two teams of executives create and share 15- minute Zoom videos about all the weird experiences they had gone through because of the pandemic. (“The two teams were laughing like hell. It was very cathartic.”)
Marianna suggested the group’s participants might want to do the same. We’ll have a post at ICF Coach Mentors & Mentees LinkedIn group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4018832/ where you’ll able to comment and share your unique experiences.
Chat Comments:
From Nadia Allam: I check in with my personal circle daily to make sure they are ok. Humor and music are powerful uplifters. Jimmy Kimmel has also been great. The Killers launched their album from their bathroom. These little things bring a smile and hope. And show how creative and resilient we are.
From Leisha Dawson: https://youtu.be/4uL5sqe5Uk8 (Video by astronaut Chris Hatfield on social distancing)
13) OFFERING SHORTER / MORE FREQUENT SESSIONS
Nancy Fromm, MCC, suggested taking advantage of your clients’ more flexible schedules (for those working from home as well as those simply waiting at home for things to return to normal) — and give them something to look forward to — consider offering shorter, more frequent sessions, with the subject predetermined by text or email.
For example, two half-hour sessions a week vs one 1-hour weekly session
Four sessions of 15 minutes each vs one-hour weekly session
One 30-minute session a week vs 1-hour session every 2 weeks
14) STAYING POSITIVE & OPTIMISTIC
— Studies have shown that maintaining a positive, optimistic (yet realistic) attitude can have many health benefits — and even help you live longer.
NOTE: Two recent NY Times articles (see links below) have helpful information on maintaining an optimistic attitude.
“How to Stay Optimistic When Everything Seems Wrong” https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/29/smarter-living/coronavirus-how-to-stay-optimistic-.html? points out that “optimism doesn’t require you to sweep those anxious, negative feelings under the rug. It’s not about smiling when you don’t feel like it. Optimism is simply being hopeful about the future, even when the present feels wholly negative. Cognitively, this is a challenge, because it requires you to acknowledge your positive and negative emotions at once and to allow them to exist simultaneously. As hard as it may be to make the case for optimism during a time of crisis, that’s when it happens to be the most useful.”
— “How to Be More Optimistic” provides simple instructions to “start walking on the sunnier side of the street.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/18/smarter-living/how-to-be-more-optimistic.html?
Chat Comment:
From Alison Ennis: Coaches should become more active on social media, posting positive things we can do, how our communities can come together (albeit not physically), instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the pandemic, which is what we usually see on social media posts. Encouraging people to take action, like calling loved ones and checking on isolated people, or positive stories about how people are coming together and working together during this time. Send love on social media daily to help shift the collective consciousness, so to speak.”
15) GOING FORWARD: SHARING RESOURCES, INSIGHTS & EXPERIENCES
— Goal Imagery Institute will be providing additional information and resources through its blog http://goalimageryinstitute.com/blogs/ and the ICF Coach Mentors & Mentees LinkedIn group at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4018832/. This will include an invitation for coaches to ask and/or offer coaching for free or via barter and sharing our experiences of how we are coping with the pandemic.
— Coaches are encouraged to share their suggestions, experiences, and related resources by emailing Allexis@Goalimagery.com for a potential interview in our video blog and other social media platforms.
— Other places coaches can find valuable resources include the ICF website, LinkedIn & Facebook groups.
— Below are 2 more interesting articles on reducing the negative health effects of stress and anxiety:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/well/live/can-i-boost-my-immune-system.html action=click&module=Spotlight&pgtype=Homepage
A small sampling of the many thanks and positive feedback we received.
From Emmanuella Stamiri: Thank you so much Marianna and everyone for incredible sharing and ideas! So helpful and important at this time. Much appreciated!
From Tee Bond: Honored to be part of this discussion this morning. Be well and be safe!
From Edana Spicker: To be honest I feel more of an obligation to get myself out there as a coach to help people now. If I have the skill set to help, I have to do it.
From Melanie Zakariasen: Thank you so much for holding this. I’m looking forward to more in the future.
From Helene Manaud: thank you so much for this great inclusive session Marianna…a great idea…Au revoir!
From Anbu Joseph: In India ICF coaches are getting together to provide coaching as a community to all the people who need help. I will share some of these ideas with them. Thanks for this session, really wonderful people, and wonderful ideas.