Coaching is a discipline that has gained popularity in recent decades as an effective tool for personal and professional development. Coaches work with individuals and teams to help them achieve their goals, improve their performance and maximize their potential. However, being a good coach goes beyond simply having communication and empathy skills. To be an effective coach, it is important to understand and use representational systems, a powerful tool that can significantly improve a coach's effectiveness in their practice.
¿ What are representational systems?
Representational systems are the different ways in which people process information through their senses. According to Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), there are three main representational systems: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Most people tend to have a dominant system, meaning they prefer to process information through one of the senses over the others.
Visual individuals tend to process information primarily through images and visualizations. These are people who often use phrases like "I see what you mean" or "look at this situation this way". On the other hand, auditory people process information predominantly through hearing, paying attention to sounds and words. These people often say things like "I hear what you're telling me" or "sounds good to me". Finally, kinesthetics process information primarily through physical sensations and emotions, preferring phrases such as "I feel like you're right" or "this makes me feel good".
Importance of representational systems in coaching
Representational systems are fundamental in coaching because they allow the coach to adapt their language and approach according to the information processing style of their coachee. By understanding a person's dominant representational system, a coach can communicate more effectively, establishing a deeper connection and facilitating better understanding and assimilation of information by the coachee.
Imagine that you are working with a coachee who is predominantly visual. If as a coach you mainly use visual metaphors, graphics and visualizations in your communication with him, you are more likely to be able to convey your messages clearly and effectively. On the other hand, if you communicate with an auditory coachee through detailed descriptions, stories, and verbal explanations, they will be more receptive and understanding.
How to identify representational systems
Identify the systems representational representations of a coachee may require some observation and skill on the part of the coach. There are different verbal and non-verbal signals that can indicate a person's dominant system:
1. Visual: Use words like "see", "look", "image". He tends to speak quickly and in a high-pitched tone. You can be a good draftsman and visually remember information.
2. Auditory: Use words like "listen", "sound", "hear". He speaks at a moderate pace and with a melodic tone. He is good at remembering conversations and listening details.
3. Kinaesthetic: Use words like "feel", "touch", "hot". Speak more slowly and with a low tone. They tend to be expressive with body gestures and prefer physical contact.
How to apply representational systems in coaching
Once a coachee's representational systems have been identified, it is important to know how to use this information in the practice of coaching. Here are some strategies to apply representational systems effectively:
1. Use appropriate language:
Adapt your language and your communication style according to your coachee's representational system. If it is visual, use visual metaphors and visualizations. If it is auditory, it emphasizes auditory expressions and the music of the words. If it is kinesthetic, use terms that evoke physical and emotional sensations.
2. Postural and tonal alignment:
Observe your coachee's body posture and tone of voice to identify their dominant representational system. Align your posture and tone of voice with that of your coachee to establish greater connection and empathy.
3. Use visual, auditory and kinesthetic techniques:
Integrate visual, auditory and kinesthetic techniques into your coaching sessions to address your coachee's information processing needs. For example, use images to illustrate concepts, music to establish a harmonious environment, or practical exercises to generate sensations in the body.
4. Powerful questions:
Ask questions that are aligned with your coachee's representational system to help them explore their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs more effectively. For example, if it's visual, you can ask "What does this situation look like from your perspective?"
5. Flexibility and adaptability:
It is important to remember that representational systems are a guide and not a strict rule. Each person is unique and may use different systems in different contexts. Be flexible and adapt your approach according to the needs and preferences of your coachee in each situation.
Conclusion
Representational systems are a powerful tool that can significantly improve a coach's effectiveness in your practice. By understanding and using representational systems appropriately, a coach can communicate more effectively, establish a deeper connection with their coachee, and facilitate better understanding and assimilation of information. Integrating representational systems into coaching not only benefits the coachee, but also enriches the coach's experience, allowing them to develop more advanced and empathetic communication skills.