Honouring the Client’s Pace in Coaching

 

In coaching, one of the most powerful things we can do is honour the client’s metaphor—not just hear it, but hold space within it.

Recently, I was speaking with a coachee who had made steady progress toward a personal goal. As we reflected on the journey, I asked, “What would you want to do to speed up the process?”

He replied, “I wouldn’t want to speed it up. This is the optimal speed. I want to be cautious. I want to ride the boat at a speed that doesn’t make me topple.”

And just like that, the metaphor emerged: the boat. As we sailed further into the conversation, he continued to build on this imagery. He spoke about milestones as islands he passed. He described how with each step, he added new tools, skills, and responsibilities to his boat.

That session stayed deeply rooted in his metaphor—and it felt natural, intuitive, and authentic.

When a client presents a metaphor, it’s a portal into their inner landscape. They are choosing a symbol that feels safe and familiar. When we acknowledge it and explore it, we aren’t just coaching—we’re journeying with them.

Reflect on this: Have you ever described your life or pace with a metaphor like sailing, flying, or climbing? What would happen if someone actually listened to the symbol beneath your words?

Explore more on how to coach with metaphors.

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