The essential handbook for partnering with nature in coaching conversations
As a species, we’re designed to spend most of our time outdoors. Yet today we live in a highly demanding technology-led society, where the pace of change is un-catchable and we spend much of our day indoors, staring at a screen. Too often the result is that we lose perspective and our wellbeing – as well as our performance – suffers.
The psychological and cognitive benefits of being outdoors are now well understood: time in nature enhances higher-order thinking, restores attention, brings perspective and boosts creativity.
As a coach, you already know that clients respond better when they’re away from the office: imagine the possibilities if we step outdoors!
Discover everything you need to know to transform your coaching impact:
* The science behind being outdoors
* Logistics, planning, contracting and safety
* Collaborating with nature as a co-facilitator
* The benefits for coach, client and organization, highlighted through case studies
* Tools and ideas on how to maximize all that nature offers.
Lesley Roberts BEd, MSc is an executive coach and adventurer who has been coaching outdoors since 1999. Her academic research focused on how nature can support coach and client. After 16 years with Mars Inc she founded Brave Conversations, working with global teams and individuals to unlock their potential. In 2019 she founded Coaching Outdoors to bring the benefits of partnering with nature to as many people as possible.
Table of Contents PRELIMS Foreword by Neil Reynolds, Mars Inc What you will find in this book MAIN CONTENT PART 1 – Setting the Scene About the author and introduction A brief orientation to coaching in general What is coaching outdoors? & Coaching outdoors in the context of other types of coaching Why has Coaching Outdoors become Topical? Why has being outdoors become so talked about now – a comment on society today Today’s business world Covid-19 Peter Hawkins challenge Benefits from Being Outdoors The evolutionary human connection with nature Benefits of being outside Positive effects of nature Research into walking outside and coaching and walking PART 2 – Getting Started Choosing the Right Location The differences between extreme adventures, hill walking and a walk in the park City, rural, office grounds Where to go, what is appropriate and what isn’t? What practicalities need to be considered? Green space/blue space research ACTIVITY - Self-coaching walk Contracting What’s different to indoors? What do I need to include? ACTIVITY - Practice with a client Weather Where’s your comfort zone? Where’s your clients comfort zone? ACTIVITY – Self-exploration walk Kit What to wear What to take ACTIVITY – Self-exploration walk/Reflection exercise Psychological Safety Considerations How locations can support a variety of issues ACTIVITY – Plan for a client session & re-tweak contract if necessary Give it a Go ACTIVITY – Prompt to give it a go in a client session & reflect PART 3 – The Circle of Benefits Benefits for the Coachee Space Perspective Creativity Presence Side by side Benefits for the Coach Nature as Co-facilitator/The Evoked Companion Speed of connection Depth of conversation Presence Bravery Benefits for the Organization Making the business case Overcoming resistance Wellbeing/Resilience A new way of working for faster results Longevity of impact It’s all about how you introduce it Benefits for the Planet It all starts with our relationship with nature Personal responsibility Personal choice PART 4 – Who am I to Coach Outdoors? Your purpose ACTIVITY – Self-Coaching & Journaling Your personal outdoor practice Model for time outdoors Your outdoor coaching practice ACTIVITY – Elevator pitch PART 5 – Nature as Co-Facilitator Opportunities for The Coach – Making the most of the outside environment More than just taking the worksheet outside Nature as a mirror Stories and examples ACTIVITY Metaphor Stories and examples ACTIVITY Constellations Stories and examples ACTIVITY Seasons Stories and examples ACTIVITY Give it a Go Trust your intuition ACTIVITY – Prompt to give it a go in a client session & reflect PART 6 – Teams & Remote Work Working Outdoors with Teams What is the difference to working with an individual? What to be aware of Opportunities for teams/team coaches Stories and examples Working Remotely with Nature Over the phone Over computer (including examples, ideas and top tips) PART 7 – Final Thoughts The Future of Coaching Outdoors Conclusion Coaching Outdoors is accessible and multi-beneficial for most and appropriate for many, brining benefits to both coach, client and organization. END MATTER Appendices Sample map of an outdoor space for coaching Check-list of things to inform client about Check-list of things to bring; coach and client List of ideas for working with nature indoors Risk Assessment form Acknowledgements References
