What Is Somatic Coaching For Executives and Leaders?
One of the most powerful offerings I have as a somatic coach is helping my clients to see how they are perceived by others. It’s hard to see ourselves and accurately gauge how we show up in the world - it can be vitally important to have the support of a trained coach to offer observations and assessments to help us see the difference between how we think we are and how we actually are.
In the world of executive coaching and leadership coaching, we are specifically working with clients who are looking to become the best version of themselves in the workplace for the sake of leading others. These are people who are leading teams and understand that effectiveness in the workplace hinges on their capacity to inspiring, authentic, attuned and present to others.
Mood and extension
In this context, nearly everything connects with the mood you show up with and how you extend toward others. Research confirms that, when we are listening, we primarily pay attention to another’s mood and their intention. The content - the actual words they are speaking - is less important.
To display an effective mood as a leader you must use the appropriate level of extension. This means speaking with an appropriate (effective) cadence, volume, and tone. It means being open and invitational in you body and your body language, while also taking a stand and being firm in what you care about and in your boundaries. Having the appropriate amount of eye contact, listening well and also knowing how to artfully and respectfully interrupt, and the capacity to feel your own body as a way to feel the mood and energy of others in the room are all examples of skills that can be cultivated. The list of what leaders must continually monitor within themselves is nearly endless.
As a leader or executive there is so much you must be paying attention to within yourself and others, and often the level of workplace responsibility only adds to this pressure. Having a clear sense of how you present yourself and how you show up at work is essential, however it is nearly impossible to see ourselves objectively in this way. As a somatic coach, I regularly offer feedback and observations designed to support you in seeing yourself more clearly so that you can step into more choice around how you speak and present yourself in front of others.
Examples of unconscious somatic shapes
Below is a list of some common ways people show up in the room that do not serve their commitment to be an exceptional executive or leader. As you read through the list, notice if there is a variation of one of these somatic shapes that you want to pay more attention to while at work. Perhaps one of these examples reminds you of a way that you want to change how you extend toward your colleagues.
Furrowing your brow while listening to others (can create the sense that you are distrusting or not present with the person you are listening to)
Glaring or narrowing your eyes (can give others the sense you are angry or unwelcoming)
Holding your eyes wide open (produces the assessment you are overwhelmed or easily surprised)
Tightening your mouth and jaw (can produce the sense you are holding back what you want to say)
Folding your arms (can create a sense of distance)
Standing with your feet too wide (shows others you may be trying to take up more space than is yours)
Standing with your feet too narrow (displays discomfort with taking your stand in your cares and concerns)
Responding unnecessarily and repeatedly with “uh-huh” or “mmm yeah” (creates a sense that you are not truly present with the other and instead trying to show them that you are listening)
Speaking too loud, not loud enough, too fast, or not fast enough (makes it hard for others to feel connected to you)
Becoming an embodied leader
The above is a very short list of the endless ways that people show up in their body that are oppositional to their effort to be seen as a leader. As an executive or leader you want to be seen as invitational, warm, and generally upbeat, while also being connected to your strength and your commitments and your capacity to be direct. It’s a delicate balance that we all need support in attaining.
If you’re looking to become the most invitational version of yourself and want support in learning how you can practice showing up at work in the way you want to, reach out to schedule a somatic coaching consultation today.