Did you watch the 2009 Academy Awards?
I enjoyed it and really liked the way they had former Oscar winners individually introduce the nominees for Best Actor/Actress and Best Supporting Actor/Actress.
What struck me is how the introductions demonstrated the power of acknowledgement. This is something we coaches do with our clients and I think we may forget how powerful it is.
Perhaps the best example was Shirley MacLaine’s introduction of Anne Hathaway. I felt like I was witness to an intimate conversation. Shirley spoke directly to Anne and Anne was visibly moved.
MacLaine: “Anne Hathaway We loved you as a princess, we loved you in Prada.”
Coaching Point: The power of using a person’s name when delivering heartfelt acknowledgement.
Camera cuts to Hathaway: She has her hand over her heart. She is so open and present, fully receiving what she is being told.
MacLaine: “And this year in Rachel Getting Married you fearless stepped into the shoes of someone struggling with addiction and grief. I think you are an amazing example. You’re not afraid to show both your dark and bright side.”
Coaching Point: Acknowledgement is most effective when you use specifics, detailing particular skills and situations.
MacLaine: “And by the way, I think you have an extraordinary voice, so keep singing too.”
Coaching Point: Sharing what we see for our clients that they may not see for themselves.
Camera cuts to Hathaway: With teary eyes she says, “Thank you! I love you.” Hathaway is so moved, so present and so real.
Coaching Point: Accurate, heartfelt acknowledgement is a wonderful gift we give to our clients!
“Thank you so much Michelle! This was great. I appreciate the pace and amount of content you covered.”
“During the Group Coaching Success program I started a year long coaching group for former clients. I also created 2 other group programs and a weekend workshop that will happen in the next few months. Thank you Michelle for this inspiring program and to all the other participants for their helpful feedback.”
“I took Michelle’s training somewhat desperate to generate five clients quickly for my upcoming coaching certification program. I was not only impressed with how many marketing tools I received, but also how many practical ways and examples to apply them. I chose to start with “Grassroots Marketing” and to my elation, I was able to generate 11 clients (better than a 50% return) by just applying a couple of the techniques she shared. I found Michelle to be an extraordinary teacher, who is wholeheartedly committed to helping her students create financial success and freedom.”