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Interview with Mrs. Ahmic 

Ready for episode 11 of the WellBe Video Series?

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dinka Ahmic, a colleague from the coaching and training community, as part of our Wellbe project. Dinka has 15 years of experience working in the context of the Public Employment Service of Austria, specifically with unemployed individuals, as a group trainer and empowerment coach. In the interview, Dinka sheds light on the unique challenges and particularities of coaching in this area.

One key particularity in this type of coaching is that it often involves job-seeking individuals who are not necessarily voluntary participants. Many of them come with hesitations, scepticism, and preconceived notions, making it crucial for coaches to build trust and create a safe environment. Dinka emphasises the importance of honesty, empathy, and using her own life experiences to connect with clients who may feel like they are in a hopeless situation.

She also addresses the various obstacles that unemployed individuals may face and she believes in being a guide to help clients become aware of these challenges and find professional help when needed. The joy she feels when hearing from grateful participants is a testament to her dedication and effectiveness as a coach. Dinka’s superpower lies in her ability to understand the unique struggles faced by her clients, as she was a war refugee and single mother.

Let her expertise motivate and inspire us in our professional lives.

To hear more inspiring stories and gain further insights from Dinka, we highly recommend watching the full interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deRb2aRdRhg

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Trainers, looking to expand skill set, consider exploring the world of coaching

Coaching is a powerful tool that can help individuals realise their full potential, and as a trainer, you already possess many of the necessary skills to be an effective coach. In the WELLBE project, we will explore the principles for coaching, and how you can use your existing expertise to become a successful coach. Whether you are a seasoned trainer or just starting, this article will provide you with insights and tips to help you get started on your coaching journey, particularly when it comes to wellbeing.

Here are some differences between training and coaching presented in a nutshell. For more information, please visit our manual for trainers:

1. Focus: Training focuses on developing skills, knowledge, and competencies required for a specific task or job. Coaching, on the other hand, focuses on helping individuals develop their potential and achieve personal or professional goals. 

2. Objectives: The objective of training is to transfer knowledge and skills from the trainer to the trainee. Coaching is concerned with helping individuals identify their goals, build self-awareness, and work towards achieving their objectives. 

3. Approach: Training typically involves a structured and systematic approach that follows a specific curriculum and learning objectives. Coaching, however, is more individualized and tailored to the specific needs and goals of the coachee. 

4. Timing: Training tends to be a one-time event or a series of events that take place over a defined period. Coaching can be ongoing and can continue for an extended period. 

5. Feedback: Training provides feedback on performance based on predefined criteria and objectives. Coaching, on the other hand, provides feedback based on the individual’s progress towards their goals and objectives.

As a trainer, it’s important that you take care of yourself as well as your clients. In order to be able to provide the best coaching possible, you need to be in a good state of mind and body. Here are some tips for wellbeing that can help you stay on top of your game: 

1. Get enough sleep
It’s important that you get enough sleep in order to function at your best. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep per night, and aim for a consistent sleep schedule. 

2. Eat well
Eating a well-balanced diet can help you feel energized and focused. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. 

3. Exercise regularly
Exercise is not only good for your body, but it’s also good for your mental health. Find an exercise routine that you enjoy and make time for it regularly.

4. Take breaks
As a trainer, it’s easy to get caught up in work and forget to take breaks. However, taking breaks is important for your mental health and wellbeing. Take breaks throughout the day, and give yourself time to relax and recharge. 

5. Practice self-care
Self-care is an important part of wellbeing. Take time for yourself every day, even if it’s just a few minutes. Practice self-care activities such as meditation, yoga, or journaling. 

By following these tips for wellbeing, you can be sure that you’re taking care of yourself so that you can take care of your clients. 

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Interview with Sylvia Neumann 

Ready for episode 10 of the WellBe Video Series?

In this interview with Sylvia Neumann, a professional life and social counsellor, mediator and supervisor, working in Austria, we have the opportunity to discover a specific field of coaching. The focus of her work is on helping individuals who are currently unemployed and/or looking for ways how to cope with difficulties and pressures related to such a particular situation. 

Sylvia emphasizes the very importance of empowering her clients and supporting them with regaining their self-esteem and intrinsic motivation. 

Sylvia believes that the main skills and competencies of a coach in this field involve recognizing and addressing body language, working with clients to identify and overcome personal barriers. While the long-term effects of her coaching may not always be immediately visible, she often does observe positive changes and empowerment in her clients. She highlights the importance of active listening and using silence as a method in her coaching sessions, stating that these practices can lead to deeper and more meaningful conversations. 

Our guest also reflects on her own growth as a coach, pointing out the importance of patience and of allowing the client to be responsible her/himself for the coaching process (i.e. taking ownership). Also, two favourite concrete cases of experience are shared with us directly from her coaching practice – join in and follow us to this special field of coaching.

Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/EnM3NNH7N1Q