Committed to Your Success Coaching & Consulting

All adults have a prferred learning style that helps them to learn, to understand, and to retain information, which also applies to communications skills.  If we are not aware of these different learning styles, we will do so in our own style and not attend to other’s differences which can lead to misunderstanding and conflict.  This is a critical component of the coaching relationship in order to help th client to gain the maximum benefit. 

The three different learning styles of adults are:

1  Visual - you need to see the written word, such as directions, in order to understand and make the connect to the brain; you tend to speak in terms of how something looks or visually see how something applies; you are able to “hear” the verbage but in order to retain it you need to  see and read it

2.  Auditory - you learn best by hearing - it is not necessary to see the words, which can often confuse you;

3.  Kinesthetic - you  need to practice what you have just learned; this is learning by doing or experiencing the concept in action

It is important for both the coach and the coachee to understand their individual learning styles and differences in order to make the most of your time together. If your client is visual, it is beneficial to give them questions ahead of time or to help them to visualize their goals and the end result. If your client is auditory, your coaching sessions will be enahnced by having them repeat back questions or suggestions you make.  Homework is great for kinesthetic types who needs the hands on practice.  It is beneficial to establish this understanding from the beginning in order to communicate more effectively and to enhance the coaching relationship.  The end result will be a tighter bond with your client, which helps in keeping the coaching relationship going, and aids in greater success for the client.  It’s a win-win situation all around!

It