In this episode of "The Making of a Coach," we delve into the world of solution-focused coaching with Kirsten Dierolf, a renowned coach trainer and former president of ICF Germany. Based in Germany, Kirsten shares her insights on social constructivism and how it shapes her approach to coaching. Through a coaching demo, she illustrates the practical application of solution-focused and narrative coaching, emphasizing the importance of co-constructing realities with clients. Kirsten's unique perspective, influenced by her international background, offers a fresh take on collaborative coaching practices.

Key Learnings:

• Embrace a solution-focused mindset by concentrating on desired outcomes rather than problem analysis. This approach fosters a more positive and constructive coaching environment.
• Recognize the power of narrative coaching in helping clients reframe their stories in ways that empower and strengthen them.
• Adopt a collaborative coaching style by partnering with clients to design personalized processes, acknowledging their resourcefulness and wholeness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to a Lighter Coaching Philosophy

00:57 Guest Introduction: Kirsten and Her Coaching Philosophy

02:31 Kirsten's Coaching Journey and Early Influences

04:48 Intercultural Experiences and Social Constructivism

07:21 Exploring Social Constructivism in Coaching

11:39 Practical Applications of Social Constructivism

19:18 Different Coaching Approaches: Solution-Focused, Narrative, and Collaborative

24:03 Demo: Addressing Flexibility in Coaching

30:26 Balancing Leadership and Openness

31:56 The Miracle Question Technique

35:09 Embracing Playfulness and Learning

41:47 Applying Solution-Focused Coaching

46:09 The Philosophy Behind Coaching

53:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Insights

References & Resources Books Mentioned

Coaching Plain and Simple – Peter Szabo & Daniel Meier

Solution Focused Team Coaching (New Edition) – Kirsten Dierolf et al.

Meditations – René Descartes

Works by Judith Butler, Heinz von Foerster, Paul Watzlawick, Ernst von Glasersfeld

Links

Learn more about Solutions Academy - https://www.solutionsacademy.com/

Get your coaching tools: https://www.metafox.eu

Connect with Kirsten Dierolf - https://de.linkedin.com/in/kirstendierolf

Story of the Chinese Farmer by Alan Watts - https://www.craftdeology.com/the-story-of-the-chinese-farmer-by-alan-watts/