Upbuild Coaching Bits: Acknowledging Others

The skill of acknowledgement is authentically sharing what we see, sense, and intuit about someone and who they are. It is not about reinforcing who they think they should be (their ego) or what they do. It is about acknowledging who they are at their essence.

In coaching, we acknowledge our clients so that they can see themselves through our eyes. The definition of coaching is serving as a human mirror. Acknowledgment can also include the impact that someone has on you. 

Tips for high quality acknowledgement:

• Connect heart to heart with the person you are acknowledging. Notice what is “true” about them from your perspective. 

• An acknowledgement often begins with “What I see about you is….” 

• Use your intuition.

• Be aware of power dynamics the might exist. The acknowledgement shouldn’t convey that you have it all together or that you know the answer of how the other person should be. 

• You can acknowledge at any time, but the end of a conversation is often a natural place to do it.

Examples of acknowledgement:

• You have shown such courage throughout this process of looking for a new career.

• What I see about you is your authenticity and vulnerability.

• You are a caring and generous force in this world.

Coaching application: Remember that your job is to serve as a human mirror. During each of your coaching sessions this week, take a moment to think about who your client is at their essence. Keeping in mind the suggestions above, acknowledge them at least once.

Life application: Next time you have a substantive conversation with one of your colleagues, friends or family members, think about who the person is at their essence and then acknowledge them, keeping in mind the suggestions above.

Relevant Upbuild content:

• [Podcast] The Four Listening Channels and the Power of Curiosity (Apple / Spotify)

• [Article] Love In The Workplace