Sustaining the Journey Archive	Previous Page

August 2, 2010

Intentions

August is typically a month for travels and transitions. New locations, events, and conversations present opportunities for Cognitive Coaching^SM. On your journey as a mediator, it is useful to spend time reflecting on the "four capabilities" of Cognitive Coaching^SM. This week's "Sustaining the Journey" begins by exploring the capability of knowing one's intentions and choosing congruent behaviors. A mediator's goal is to help an individual to become self-mediating. His intention is to:

• reflect understanding.
• clarify communication.
• create comfort.
• cause self-examination.

Gather data for assessing your movement along the continuum to craftsmanship by reflecting on the following:

• I am defaulting to Cognitive Coaching^SM language, maps, and behaviors when appropriate.
• I notice verbal and non-verbal cues which provide information for choosing coaching tools.
• I match my intentions with the greater goal of the other person.
• I clearly communicate my desire to assist others in self-directed learning.
• I am able to match coaching tools with a specific intention.
• The meditative tools which I have transitioned to a skillful, or automatic, level are. . . .
• When coaching, I notice the effects and results of using a specific meditative tool.

Costa, A., & Garmston, R. (2002) Cognitive Coaching: A Foundation for Renaissance Schools. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon Publishers, p. 64.

Costa, A., & Garmston, R. (2010) Cognitive Coaching Foundation Seminar Learning Guide. Highlands Ranch, CO: Center for Cognitive Coaching.