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Doorknob insights

How paying attention to closing comments can uncover what's really going on.


Have you ever had a check-in meeting with a team member when they tell you that everything is fine but you have a sense that there is something going on that is impacting them? Listen carefully as the meeting draws to a close, as you may hear something that will connect the dots and help to explain what's up.


Case Study

A client, who was usually very upbeat, described feeling less engaged with work than normal. We talked through this without being able to pinpoint where this lack of motivation was coming from. At the end of our coaching session, I asked about his upcoming weekend. My client mentioned that he had an injury that was preventing him from doing the sporting activities and volunteering that he enjoyed, and which provided an outlet from daily work stresses. I asked if the feelings of work disengagement could be linked to this injury. My client hadn't thought to bring things that were going on in his personal life to our coaching conversation, but immediately realised that the inability to participate in regular physical activities was causing the lack of zest that he was currently experiencing. He recognised that once these activities could resume it was likely that he would again feel less stressed and more engaged with work. The next time we met, my client confirmed this was the case.


Doorknob Confessions

Known as doorknob confessions, information that is shared right at the end of a conversation when you have moved from the primary agenda. It can be these moments of social interaction and interest in the whole person that can create the insight needed. However, you need to be prepared for these moments and know how you will deal with them, as it may require time and thoughtfulness when you have already shifted to thinking about your next meeting or task.


My coaching approach helps individuals to think holistically about the different areas of their life, to gain insights about how each effects the other and experiment with and develop new ways of thinking and behaving in order to flourish.



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