Earlier in March, I received a newsletter from the International Coach Federation (ICF) reminding us that the international week of coaching was to be held from May 20 to 26th. Sparked with that information, I did a quick search through social media to get the pulse on what was being planned here in Quebec to celebrate our profession. Unfortunately I only find a few activities, and none in Montreal. Fortunately, this search activated my creative mode – I took action, and with my husband we brainstormed the possibility that I could offer pro bono speed coaching session. Playing with words, the concept took shape – I committed to offer to the people of Montreal free “Street coaching“ sessions on Tuesday, May 21, in the Old Montreal.

My high level excitement guided me to design my action plan:  pick a busy place in Old Montreal for the day, contact other coaches to accompany me, look for a place to print t-shirts with “Street coaching” on it, write a bilingual press release for a hundred medias in the region of Montreal, print some coaching games. Yes, “sky’s the limit” I see big and I’m thinking that my coach would be proud of me!

The countdown begins – two weeks before the day! Wow! As soon as I start talking openly about my project to my friends and other coaches, I could feel that, yes, indeed I did commit to something big. The butterflies appeared in my stomach;  a mixture of emotions were present: excitement, fear (what if I fail, could the bar be too high, intimidation, perhaps I’m not good enough), doubt, pride … well my heart was beating very fast.  I told myself to inhale…exhale!

It’s amazing to become aware of just how fast my saboteurs (small negative voices in my head) arrive when I step out of my comfort zone. As I take my daily walks in the forest to connect with myself, I use my resources to push the saboteurs away. To me it is clear – there is no way I’ll be paying the price for doing nothing – I decided to take the risk of moving forward, even if I’m alone in this adventure.

The D-day is fast approaching. I drive to the flea market in Montreal (I live in the Laurentian area). Thank you Steve for making me such beautiful printed sweatshirt and t-shirt. Endorsing them makes me feel ready, despite the rain and the cold coming.

Tuesday, May 21 – 7: 30 am: my husband drops me off at the train station of St-Jerome – choo-choo – the train is ready to leave! I love riding the train. It’s raining and cold out there.  People are focused in their reading or they are listening to music – it’s peaceful. I’m happy to be here – totally in the present moment. My passion for coaching is filling me and I can not wait to get to the convention center (Palais des Congrès) – my destination and start offering “Street coaching” sessions.

9 am: I step outside of the Convention Centre, frozen by one of my saboteurs – the fear of approaching strangers. I sit on a bench to calm down and observe people walking fast, very fast and completely in their bubbles. A flow of thoughts rushes through my head too. Inhale…exhale again. An expression from my friend Rick comes back to memory: I’m in the “Gulp”: “I can’t do it, but I must do it”. Yes that’s right, I did commit and will respect this value! I get into the Convention Centre and about 50 feet from me there is a relaxation area. Thirty odd people are sitting; appearing to be waiting for something… I walk straight to a man in his forties and introduce myself and point to the big letters on my sweater “Street coaching”. I ask him gently if he would like to “live” a micro session of coaching rather than me explaining what coaching is. He took a long and deep breath, and nodded positively. At this moment, I feel that my passion vibrates in me, like a colorful rainbow flowing through my veins. My day begins!

Here’s a quick summary of some of my encounters (respecting the confidentiality of the people that I met that day):

Garry at the Convention Centre. Recovering from a cardio vascular accident (stroke) in 2011, jobless and lost part of his vision and balance. Seeking to start a new business, but does not know what, when, how. I invite him to play to explore outside of his comfort zones, to look at the possibilities from different angles, become aware of his values​​… our session puts him on track to take action involving his entourage.

Computer’ student (a young Russian) which is not really sure if computer should be part of his career plan. Wants a summer job in the games industry. Together, we co-create a short-term plan to put him into action in three segments he has chosen to explore: study break, make more friends and find new activities for himself.

11 pm: My friend and coach Britta joins me in the Chinatown. We decide to take a break from the cold and return inside the Desjardins Place – “Street coaching” turns into a girly coaching tour of the boutiques!

12 h 30: Still with Britta, we walk to the arts district where two guys sitting on a bench with their lunch haled us. Both are speakers (engineer and PhD) participating in a symposium on creativity and automation. A rich and fulfill discussion about coaching takes place between the four of us – neuroscience, plasticity and human capital… Wow we are truly aligned with the same values!

13 h 30: A quick stop at the “musical swings” with Britta. We commit ourselves to invest more into coaching awareness – we decide that we will return at the Jazz Festival, and offer more “Street coaching” sessions with other coaches.

Britta has to go, and just before her departure, we offer another micro session of coaching to a young employee of Oxam. Exciting discussion, the young woman wants to know more about the profession of coaching!

15 h: Now by myself, I walk in the direction of the Notre-Dame church in the Old Montreal, and I sit next to an homeless. Marcel is a street musician. For the past 3 years, his life has been completely disorganized and he tries to keep his head up by playing music he loves. We draw together all his qualities, talents, strengths. Magic is in the air. There are no words to express what I see in his eyes… vulnerability and recognition.

I finally met with a financial advisor who is taking her break. We spend five minutes maximizing her pause – she commits to work on some form of meditation to “stop” more often during her business day.

A ray of sunshine comes along at the same time that my husband pulls in to pick me up. Facing the Notre-Dame church, I’m grateful to life for giving me such a beautiful day, rewarding meetings and also have the opportunity to offer a dozen “Street coaching” sessions. Yes, I will do it again and I hope that my story will inspire other coaches to join!

 

Christine Lecavalier