2026-01-26 – Weekly Coaching News : Balancing precision with empathy

Last week, our community engaged in several thought-provoking discussions that spanned practical coaching challenges and professional growth. Members shared insights on self-regulation strategies, debated the nuances of schedule ownership, and explored unique storytelling in coaching settings. The conversations reflected a blend of practical tips and deeper reflections on evolving coaching practices.


This Week’s Hot Topics

My stopwatch lost to the tissue box
An intriguing discussion unfolded about balancing precision with empathy in coaching. It’s fascinating to see how timing tools play a role in our sessions.
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CE options that teach coach self-regulation
This thread dives into continuing education resources that help coaches maintain composure and effectiveness. Essential for anyone looking to enhance their self-management skills.
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Coaching junior PMs on schedule ownership
A practical discussion on guiding junior project managers to take charge of their schedules. It’s all about fostering autonomy and responsibility.
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The day profit met punchline
This thread highlights the lighter side of coaching, where humor meets profitability. A refreshing take on keeping sessions engaging yet effective.
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Making a pivot without starting over
Explore strategies for making career shifts without losing ground. A must-read for those considering a change but wanting to leverage existing skills.
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Elevator pitch met an elevator
An engaging story about perfect timing and the art of the pitch. Useful insights for making the most of brief encounters.
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The origin of the beep test
A fascinating dive into the history and application of the beep test in coaching. Learn how this method has evolved and its impact today.
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Looking forward to another week of engaging discussions. Your contributions continue to make this a valuable space for all.

Tried a 3x30 between sessions — 30s breath, 30s body scan, 30s intention — which keeps me precise without sounding like a robot, like hitting ‘save’ on my nervous system… For schedule ownership, I ask clients to pick one ‘untouchable block’ each week; small caveat: caregivers often do better with a floating version tied to school drop-off. Anyone else testing something similar, @Riley?

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I block the first 90 seconds of each session for a tiny ‘check my stance’ — read a sticky that says ‘say less, notice more,’ confirm my schedule boundary, and set one intention. It keeps precision without edge; when calendar chaos hits and schedule ownership slips, I swap to one breath plus a single clarifier I’ll ask at minute 10. @Guide your ‘save on my nervous system’ line nails the vibe.

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Building on @mateo24, I keep a tiny two‑column note in sessions — left is the concrete event, right is the client’s exact words about meaning — and before I offer any model I ask, “mind if I put a lens on this?” If they’re amped up, I skip the model and mirror one phrase instead — training wheels for my precision so empathy stays upright.

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