What is this focus on cocreation that I have, and what is it with 'The Cocreator Coach' moniker that I have chosen anyway? These are questions that I get asked regularly - so regularly in fact, i've decided to write a blog about it!
The fact is that in my coaching practice, cocreation acknowledges the partnership of working together. It is dependent on collaboration and cooperation. It rightfully assumes that it is a relationship based on equals. This is so important in the way I practice, and the way I live my life, as my intention is to ensure you enable and empower yourself to be the best expression of you that you choose to be.
Gary Zukav (author of Seat of the Soul) has a wonderful definition of cocreation: "Co-creation occurs when individuals bring all that each can offer to a joint effort and at the same time, open themselves to a larger, or higher, idea that may not have previously occurred to them." For me this encapsulates so much about what I do as a coach. It accentuates my personal, professional and spiritual values.
It also acknowledges that independent of the coach and client (or coachee), there is an energy, or as Gary Zukav states, a higher idea that may not have previously occurred to both parties. This is why coaching can be a powerful medium for a person to move towards a closer alignment to not only who it is they really are, but who it is they choose to become.
One of the major impediments as I see it when a person chooses to see a professional, is the dynamic of the relationship between the expert and the client. There is a power imbalance. There is an assumption, real or imagined, that says the professional has the power and the answers for the client.
As a result the client is given a service, advice, or direct instruction. Naturally this is something that works well for both parties in many situations as it is an agreed arrangement and an understood process or procedure.
As an accredited coach, and one who places importance on the cocreation process, I see the client as the expert in their own life. I serve them - they do not serve me. My role is to help the client move forward in their life. For some clients this is initially challenging. Some are needing to further develop their confidence, self esteem, relationships and their work life balance.
So the awareness and sensitivity required to work together for the best possible results for them, is also determined by their ability and their intention to embrace the opportunity - and my ability to facilitate that.
It also requires them to understand that this coaching relationship dynamic is based on cocreation and a partnership of equals. Their experience (as mentioned earlier) as they have lived their life, may not reflect that they are in fact the expert in their own life....so cocreation, particularly with an expert, may be a completely new and challenging concept to them.
The Cocreator Coach was my best way of not only presenting who it is I am, but importantly, it also demonstrated my professional approach and the way I like to work with people generally. Cocreation is the acknowledgement that possibilities and opportunities can present themselves at anytime or place in the coaching session - the very process of doing this can shift a persons sense of themself, and their personal self worth.
When both the client and coach are open to this, and are truly working together, this cocreative energy can manifest or present itself in many different ways. As a coach, and indeed as a person, I trust this process - my clients generally learn to do that as well.
The question is; are you ready to take action, step up, and improve your life? Together, we can help you do that.
Are you living in Hobart Tasmania? Take up my complimentary coaching offer. There is no obligation to continue - or sales pitches. Contact me to arrange your FREE information session to see how coaching can help you in your life.
*Craig Hedge is an accredited life coach based in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. He is also the author of the 'Instinctive Living' self development book series available on Amazon Author.to/craigwhedge