CALGARY — A coach can help families navigate difficult relationships and challenging work on the farm.
Jacquie Stephens and Kay Kuenker of Breakthrough Consulting, who led a workshop at the Advancing Women in Agriculture conference March 6 in Calgary, said they offer an outsider’s perspective.
“It can be really valuable to have a different set of eyes that isn’t part of the farm family and has no idea of the relationships going on, and can look at it from a different perspective with no bias, no hidden intent,” said Stephens.
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Unlike a therapist who works on identifying, assessing and accessing problems, Kuenker said coaches ask questions and use people’s own insights and solutions to resolve challenges in leading and being inclusive and unbiased.
“Whether you want to be a coach or are looking for a coach, self-awareness is the key to any journey,” said Stephens.
“It’s being able to know what’s going on for you in any given moment and therefore being able to know what’s going on for somebody else as well.”
Kuenker said a coach can be a catalyst for personal growth and change.
“Do you feel stuck? Am I where I need to be? Am I satisfied in my job?” she said.
Kuenker used the example of a young man who might need guidance as he debates continuing on the family farm or entering the corporate world.
“Coaches ask, ‘where are you right now and how can we help you get forward and grow from this starting point?’ ” she said.
“They can be your sounding board, a neutral party where you can gain insights and talk it through and find out what you really want to do.”
To find the best fit in a coach, Stephens said it must be someone you trust and find credible, who creates a safe environment, who will listen to you who and challenges your thinking.
“It’s not about you liking someone, it’s about finding a fit with someone who can push you to be what you want to be,” said Stephens.
The pair recommended seeking out certified coaches who adhere to the profession’s standards of ethics.
