S4 Episode 38: Coaching and Neurodiversity with Nathan Whitbread and Kim Witten

The Coaching Inn

This week, Claire Pedrick, Nathan Whitbread, and Kim Witten open up the conversation around Coaching and Neurodiversity.

They discuss the misconceptions surrounding coaching neurodivergent thinkers and emphasise the importance of simplicity in the way coaches coach.

Takeaways

• Coaching neurodivergent individuals requires an understanding that we are all experts in our own experiences and ways of thinking.
• Simplicity in questioning is crucial when working with neurodivergent thinkers, as complex questions can shift the focus away from the work at hand.
• Measuring progress and success should be individualised and focused on movement and the feeling of growth.
• Creating a supportive team and knowing when to reset are essential in coaching neurodivergent thinkers.
• People are becoming more willing to openly share their neurodivergent experiences, allowing for more open and effective coaching conversations. Trust and partnership are crucial when discussing neurodivergence in coaching.
• Diagnosing and labelling should be approached with caution, focusing on supporting people rather than categorising them.
• Self-disclosure as a coach can create connection and trust, but it should be done in a way that serves the other's needs.
• Coaches should prioritise being present and authentic, allowing clients to be 100% themselves in the coaching space.

Contact:

• Claire Pedrick
• Kim Witten PhD
• Nathan Whitbread

and stay connected as they write the book through https://neurodiversityincoaching.wordpress.com/

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Coming Up:

Next: The Evolution of Coaching as an Industry with Janet Harvey MCC, Dorothy Siminovitch MCC and Claire Pedrick MCC

Soon: Psychological Safety in Coaching with Timothy Clarke

Key Words

coaching, neurodiversity, neurodivergent, misconceptions, simplicity, progress, success, movement, individualised, questioning, neurodivergence, coaching, trust, partnership, individuality, self-disclosure