Claire writes: “If you listened to the conversation I had with Liz Price at The Coaching Inn last week, you’ll know that we have been thinking a lot about difference.  What’s enough difference and what’s too much? 

Since I had a conversation with someone asking us to facilitate a piece of work where it was clear that this was fundamental to them finding the right person, I have been sitting with this question. I think it’s worth thinking about in all kinds of places.  When we are asked to work with a group, or someone 1-1, what’s too little difference? What’s too much difference? What’s too close? If we are too similar, there’s a risk of collusion and keeping thinking too small. If we are too different there may be a lack of trust.  The same is true if we are too distant.

The same dynamic shows up in conversations which I observe.  The coach might be so close to the thinker that it feels like they are almost sat on their lap (metaphorically). Or professional distance may result in the thinker feeling isolated as the coach watches them do the work alone.  It brings me back to TS Eliot’s wise words about being ‘neither from nor towards’.

We’d love to hear what you think?”

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