Front english t-shirtIt has now been two years that “Street Coaching ” exists in Montreal. This year, as part of the international week of coaching, seven coaches trained by CTI (http://www.thecoaches.com), certified and members of ICF for some of us, went to play in the streets of Old Montreal to co-create a coaching experience by offering on a voluntary base, a 15 minutes session for the general public.

A beautiful day that began simply with the alliance between all coaches: a co-active discussion on the purpose of this day, identify what we wanted for ourselves and what impact we desired to create on those whom would cross our path as well as generate tangible results for them… and not to mention the interaction of Daisy, our coach specially dressed as pretty cow to attract a crowd.

Most coaches in the group experimented for the first time “Street Coaching”. I know very well that our saboteurs can hold us back, scare us and tell us that we are not enough … I know because I experienced it myself last year. By sharing and clarifying our own assumptions, our group has grown from this experience. It is by combining our skills, our strengths and values that I could see the power of our human group get alive.

We walked in the Old Montreal between 11 h and 16 h. The charm of Daisy operated very well – young families stopped, retirees, professionals, children, lovers, cyclists, KMBT_C364-20130529085951friends … many of the people we met had no idea about coaching or were still confused between psychology and therapy –  we coached approximately twenty-five people.

It is truly a privilege to see people opening themselves little by little and witness their smiles as we brought them to co-create from the wheel of life that was printed on the back of our t-shirts – a simple tool, but so effective in coaching. We invited people to choose a segment of their life where they wanted to receive coaching. Powerful questions, listening, curiosity, intuition, geography of the body, metaphors … coaches activated all their skills and magic shapes up when the person we coach is aware of what she can achieve and discovers that solutions lie inside.  It is at this exact moment that I reconnect again with my “why I coach”. My “why” made me see the greatness and the beauty of the human being in front of me, his resources and his creativity. Fifteen minutes, where time goes very fast and where I can, as a coach, suspend time by calling forth the coachee with an inquiry, a commitment, and a challenge … before letting this person leave with a priceless smile.

photoI remember very well what I said last year during my first experience of “Street Coaching ” –  “I am grateful to life for giving me such a beautiful day, meetings with inspiring people, and to have had the chance to offer them a real live coaching experience. Yes, I will return in the street and I hope that my story will inspire other coaches to join me.”

I want to say it again: thank you for the abundance of life on that day, and thank you to all of us, the seven co-active coaches to have made a difference, and yes … I will be back again on the streets accompanied by an even larger group of coaches that are passionate about their profession and the human being.

It is with joy that I share with you the testimonies of coaches of our group;

«I loved it so much. At some moments I was shedding tears of joy… I feel so in my element being a coach…I just love the transformations we help people live…I love to see people’s reactions when they are approached from a perspective of genuine concern and non-judgment. What it all comes down to, is we need to spread love and listen more…if more people did this…we could literally save the planet 🙂 So to bottom line…more street coaching is required!!!» Melissa Dawn Photiades, Coach co-actif

It’s like writing “I love you ” on a paper plane …On a sunny holiday Monday, the Old Port of Montreal wakes up and prepares to welcome its visitors in search of sunshine and fun.  I am walking towards our meeting point with wonder and anticipation. Everything feels possible today… In a few minutes, we will have the opportunity to touch lives, to celebrate our profession and to educate people about coaching. We will lean into each other, we will co-create in each moment.

The air feels solemn and sacred as we await the start of our day. The coaches appear responsible and committed to offering the gift of coaching and to represent the coaching profession. The impact of our Street Coaching day is as beautiful, as simple and as pure as writing “I love you Mom” on a paper plane.

Seven dedicated and enthusiastic coaches support each other and offer coaching questions, acknowledgments, requests and challenges with the joy and satisfaction of a job well done.

Coaching has transformed the street into a wonderfully safe space, making room for vulnerability, trust and creativity. Passersby’s are curious, open and authentic as they offer parts of their professional, personal and family lives. They are ready to experience change and they are courageously committed to taking responsibility for their own transformations.

As we part with our coachees, we know that they are leaving with a sense of belief and trust that they will take action and be the difference in their own lives.   I will never know if 7 year old Luca will write “I love you Mom” on his next paper plane. Here’s what I do know:

– All of us, children and adults alike, have access to unlimited internal resources and possibilities. Being a coach provides me with the honor of witnessing these discoveries on a daily basis.

– Everyone who came in contact with a Street Coach has been transformed and will carry the impact of their coaching for days, weeks, months and maybe lifetimes.

Street coaching is a wonderful way of celebrating our profession and educating people about what coaching is and isn’t. Everyone can benefit from it! Street coaching (and everyday coaching) rocks!  Mona-Lisa Shenouda, CPCC,B.Eng, M.Eng

« Pour moi ce fut une expérience très enrichissante, de dépassements, d’observations, d’écoute, d’échanges et surtout de nouvelles rencontres et découvertes de coachs….. WoW… D’apprendre à aller dans le rythme et de laisser couler…. Merci de ces beaux partages riches en expériences de vie. Ensemble cela doit équivaloir à +/- 175 années, c’est tout de même quelque chose. Merci à toutes de votre présence et engagement. Cela m’a remis sur ma voie…. J’étais pleine d’énergie à mon retour. » Christiane Béchard, Coach co-actif

« En cette belle journée ensoleillée de lundi, j’ai rencontré un groupe de 6 femmes merveilleuses et passionnées par leur coaching. Audacieuses, allumées et souriantes, elles rencontraient les gens dans la rue pour leur présenter simplement et de façon amusante ce qu’est le coaching professionnel tout en les  encourageant à se dépasser. » Francine Lauzon, Coach co-actif

 

Please leave your comments 🙂

Christine Lecavalier, Co-active Coach CPCC, PCC

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