Listen Beyond the Words
After sharing my story of feeling like a fish in a pond during my maternity break, I realised how powerful metaphors are—not just in storytelling, but in coaching and everyday conversations.
So often, people speak in metaphors without even realising it. “I feel like I’m sailing through a storm.” “This relationship is sunshine for me.” “When she enters the room, it feels like the air smells sweeter.” These aren’t just poetic expressions. They’re glimpses into someone’s emotional world.
In coaching, I’ve noticed how easily these metaphors can go unnoticed. But for the person sharing them, these images are real. They hold emotional truth, and when acknowledged by a coach or a listener, they become powerful bridges to deeper connection and understanding.
When someone says, “I feel stuck like I’m in quicksand,” don’t just nod and move on. Pause. Explore it. “Tell me more about the quicksand. What does it feel like? What helps you move through it?” That’s where the magic lies. The metaphor becomes a safe space for self-expression and insight.
Whether you’re a coach, a manager, a friend, or a partner—tune in. Catch the metaphors. Acknowledge them. They reveal more than facts ever can.
Think of the last conversation you had. Did someone use a metaphor to describe how they felt? What could that metaphor be telling you?
Want to explore deeper?
This post contains affiliate
links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost
to you.
Go to Books for Coaching
🌟 1. "Co-Active
Coaching" by Henry Kimsey-House et al.
A gold standard in coaching, this
book teaches how to empower clients by balancing listening, intuition, and bold
action. It shifts coaching from solving problems to unleashing human potential.
Link to Buy the Book - https://amzn.to/4lQdcWh
🌟 2. "The
Coaching Habit" by Michael Bungay Stanier
This book turns everyday
conversations into powerful coaching moments using just seven simple questions.
It's practical, witty, and perfect for busy leaders who want to coach more by
talking less.
Link to Buy the Book - https://amzn.to/4jx5NcT
🌟 3. "Coaching
for Performance" by Sir John Whitmore
A classic that introduced the
GROW model, it’s essential for anyone serious about performance and
transformational leadership. Whitmore shows how great coaching sparks clarity,
responsibility, and results.
Link to Buy the Book - https://amzn.to/3Ys1maR
Comments