How to Coach Yourself and Others Essential Knowledge For Coaching | Page 416

Key Guidelines to Authentic Behavior
Block and various schools of psychology, for example, Carl Rogers’ selfdirected therapy, describe the following core characteristics of authentic
behavior. Considering their descriptions, authentic behavior is more
attainable than many believe and it might help you to work easier rather
than work harder in your projects for change.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Honest -- Speak the truth.
Direct -- Speak in terms that are clear, concise and focused.
About here-and-now -- Speak about what is going on right now.
From you -- Report your own experience of the here-and-now.
Non-judgmental of others -- Speak about what you are experiencing
around others, not of your judgments of others.

Unless you are authentic in a supportive manner, coachees might feel
like you are being aggressive. Aggressive behavior is perceived as
demanding, forceful, arrogant and even hostile. That can cause
discomfort, alienation, confusion and distrust between you and your
coachees. Experienced consultants have learned to employ authentic
communication in a manner that is completely honest, yet remains
supportive and respectful.
Note that authentic behavior does not always mean the consultant’s
speaking the truth about anything and everything all the time.
Sometimes the consultant senses that the coachee is not yet ready to
hear about the consultant’s speculations, for example, about causes of
issues or the coachee’s role in those issues. Sometimes these
speculations v