Eco-Coaching and Client Service

The purpose of this article is to speak to you, current or potential future coaching client of mine. I want you to know that our work together will always be in service of your needs. And I also want you to know that I’m keen, where possible, helpful and appropriate, to roll the biggest stakeholder into our work together – that would be the planet itself. In view of that I’d like this chance to explain myself.

I’ve been coaching individual leaders and leadership teams for about twenty-five years. It’s called executive coaching (not a term I’ve ever liked), which signifies not so much the status of the client but more the systemic nature of the work. In the last five years I’ve been wondering about how I might contribute to the unfolding climate crisis we are all now starting to wake up to. It’s led me to the idea of eco-coaching (another term I don’t like so at least that’s consistent).

The coaching profession has been asking itself some tough questions about its role in the climate emergency, both how it might be colluding in a system that is harming us all and also how it might be able to help repair the damage and set us on a new, more sustainable course. I’ve written about this in more detail as part of my own journey to this point.

For me personally it’s simply a question of how best to put my shoulder to the wheel. I’m a good coach (or so I am told), often described as provocative or something of a devil’s advocate. So why not use coaching as part of my contribution to helping face these difficult times? It’s a rhetorical question but you may be answering with something like “what’s that got to do with me?” or even “We’re not paying you to impose your world views on me/us”.

All of which is valid and challenges me to overcome the dilemma – eco-coaching or client service? I normally resolve dilemmas by simply turning them into a paradox – both eco coaching and client service. How to remain in service of your needs and also attend to the needs of the widest system?

Firstly, I guess, by sharing this article with you in the hope it might explain my thinking and open the door to some possibilities between us. Secondly by being compassionate, curious and optimistic about any conversations we may end up having. Thirdly by continuing to explore deeply into the wider issues so that I can be sure my narrative is well founded and helpful. And fourthly, the mantra of all coaches hopefully, to continually be aware of, and if necessary in dialogue about, the coaching contract we are co-creating together.

So that’s my commitment to you and the planet. Our work matters, perhaps more so than we might initially imagine.