In a recent mentoring session facilitated by Milena Nikolić and Adrijana Milosavljević from Koučing centar, Wellbe group of adult educators from Serbia had the opportunity to explore many interesting topics.
The participants expressed a strong need for “practice, practice, practice”, aiming to shed their introverted roles by at least 1% and also put knowledge into practice.
Who are you when you speak that language?
One intriguing discussion that emerged among the language teacher participants was the influence of different languages on personality. The question “Who are you when you speak that language?” sparked thoughtful reflections, unveiling how linguistic nuances shape one’s character and communication style. Additionally, the participants delved into the concept of provisional selves (explored by Professor of Organizational Behavior, Herminia Ibarra), which are temporary identities that individuals adopt in various contexts. This exploration shed light on how language can play a significant role in shaping provisional selves and how individuals express different aspects of their personality and communication style when speaking other languages. Recognizing these provisional selves added a fascinating dimension to understanding language teaching and learning processes in general.
Being comfortable with a silence
The session also provided valuable insights into handling silence, a topic of significance for coaches. Through open dialogue and shared experiences, participants discovered various techniques to navigate moments of quiet introspection. Embracing silence as an essential part of the coaching process, they realized its potential to foster deeper self-reflection and encourage trainees to explore their own thoughts and insights.
Creating impactful questions for trainers
An important aspect of the mentoring session centered around crafting effective coaching questions, focusing on their formulation and timing. Collaboratively, the participants created a repertoire of questions tailored to their specific needs. These questions aimed to encourage trainees to consider alternative perspectives, reflect on their achievements and discoveries and embrace growth opportunities during their training sessions.
Looking Ahead
As the mentoring session drew to a close, each participant left with a personalized set of next steps, eager to apply their newfound knowledge and skills in their practice. The session catalyzed growth and was a stepping stone toward their aspirations. All of them are looking forward to the next gathering, where they will continue their shared journey through the coaching world.
About the author: Adrijana is representing the Serbian partner in the project, Koucing Centar
Connect with her via LinkedIn:
Adrijana Milosavljević, ICF PCC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrijanamilosavljevic/