Developing the Coach Within –
Highly Effective Coaching Using Mindfulness

Presented By:

Mike Orzen

Session Abstract:

If you are a lean coach (or any other type of coach) or aspire to become one, there is a skill which can significantly boost your effectiveness to support another person’s personal development. This skill can be learned with practice and is accessible to everyone who is willing to apply themselves.

Mindfulness is the ability to focus one’s awareness on the present moment. It is not about getting somewhere—but about being fully where you currently are and grasping the impact of your thoughts, words, actions,and awareness right now, in this moment.

All activities benefit from heightened levels of awareness, focus and concentration, and coaching is no exception. Mindfulness impacts coaching skills and capability perhaps more effectively than any other tool or technique. This is also true for structured problem solving and deep reflection – two essential elements of lean thinking. Learn how to apply mindfulness techniques to hone the coaching skills of:

  • Listening
  • Questioning
  • Supporting
  • Developing
  • Reflecting

Come to this session and learn by experiencing mindfulness practices and leave with with a new understanding of the role of mindful awareness in lean coaching.

At the end of this session, participants should be able to…

  • Understand and apply active self awareness and mindfulness techniques to significantly impact their coaching effectiveness.
  • Be a much better coach with heightened levels of listening, understanding, and awareness of the coaching/learning process.
  • Map out a course of personal improvement to further develop their coaching skills.

In this session you will learn:

  • In this session you will learn how to be more self-aware as you engage in the coaching process, positioning you to check/adjust/pivot your coaching as necessary.
  • In this session you will lean how to be a much better listener, stay calm and focused, and deal with a wondering mind.
  • In this session you will learn how to experience personal development through coaching others.

Facilitator Bio:

Mike has been studying and practicing lean for over 20 years in a variety of industries including service, manufacturing, healthcare, food and beverage, and insurance. His work includes the active coaching of several Master’s students at The Ohio State University, C-level leaders, and lean champions. Mike is the co-author of two books which apply lean thinking to information and technology: Lean IT and The Lean IT Field Guide published in November 2015. He is the recipient of the Shingo Prize for outstanding research and publication.

Mike is a 30-year practitioner of meditation and yoga.