"I Don’t Have a Creative Bone in My Body!"

Finding and Using Your Creativity in Professional Coaching

Have you ever found yourself uttering something like the quote in my headline above?Do you consider yourself to be creative? Based on my coaching and work experience, I would guess that more than half of my readers by default would answer, “no, not really”. I think those of you answering in the negative are wrong.  Let me explain, beginning with quotes from two terrific books.

Early in Rick Rubin’s book, The Creative Act, he writes:

 “(t)hose who do not engage in the traditional arts might be wary of calling themselves artists.  They might perceive creativity as something extraordinary or beyond their capabilities. A calling for the special few who are born with these gifts.  Fortunately, this is not the case. Creativity is not a rare ability.  It is not difficult to access. Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human. It is our birthright.  And it’s for all of us. Creativity doesn’t exclusively relate to making art. We all engage in this act on a daily basis.”

In Co-Active Coaching, Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl, and Laura Whitworth write:

“…(w)e start with this assertion: people are, by their very nature, naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. They are capable: capable of finding answers, capable of choosing, capable of taking action, capable of recovering when things don’t go as planned, and, especially, capable of learning. This capacity is wired into all human beings no matter their circumstances.”

In both books, the authors expand the common definition of creativity and refute the rarity of this fundamental human capability. I was especially drawn to the Co-Active Coaching model because it grounds itself firmly in the assertion of people’s fundamental creativity, resourcefulness, and wholeness.  These three attributes form one of the four cornerstones of the Co-Active methodology and make their way into every coaching interaction, implicitly or explicitly.

The need for creativity shows up constantly in coaching.  “I am stuck trying to define my governing set of values.” “I’ve had a string of job interviews that haven’t led anywhere.” “I was promoted last month to a bigger role and I am trying to figure out how I want to show up at work every day.” “I am having an ongoing conflict with a co-worker and I don’t know how to resolve it (or even if I want to resolve it).” All of these presenting challenges demand both parties, coach and client, to tune in carefully, think expansively, and find new pathways and solutions.

At its core, professional coaching is a transformative process that helps individuals and organizations reach their goals, enhance performance, and realize potential. While coaching is often associated with structured methodologies, goal setting, and accountability, a less overt but equally powerful element driving success in coaching sessions is the application of creativity. In the coaching context, creativity is not about being artistic or crafty; it's about tapping into innovative ways of thinking, problem-solving, and exploring possibilities that might otherwise remain unseen. As Rubin states in The Creative Act, “There’s a world of possibilities available to those who are open to seeing them. The more flexible our thinking, the more creative we can be.” This Substack explores how creativity is woven into the fabric of professional coaching and how it acts as a catalyst for growth and transformation.

The Creative Nature of Coaching

At its core, coaching is an inherently creative process. The coach and the client co-create a journey toward the client's desired outcomes, navigating challenges, and uncovering insights along the way. This co-creative dynamic requires both parties to engage in deep listening, open-mindedness, and a willingness to explore new territories—hallmarks of creativity.

The Co-Active Coaching model, which is central to my approach to coaching, emphasizes that people are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. This principle underlines the belief that every individual has the capacity to generate their own answers and solutions. The role of the coach is not to give advice but to facilitate the client’s exploration of their inner resources. As Rubin reflects, “The creative act is a process of listening to what’s inside you, allowing it to come through in its purest form.”

Creativity in coaching begins with the coach’s ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel free to express themselves fully. This environment encourages clients to explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of criticism or failure. When clients are given the freedom to think aloud and explore ideas without constraints (see my prior Substack Saying The Unsayable), they are more likely to find innovative solutions and fresh perspectives.

Creative Techniques and Tools in Coaching

I employ various creative techniques and tools to help clients break free from limiting beliefs, reframe challenges, and discover new pathways to success. These tools are not about creativity for its own sake but are rooted in the belief that the client is fully capable of finding their own solutions. Here are a few examples:

1. Visualizations and Metaphors: I use visualizations to help clients imagine their future success or to visualize overcoming obstacles. Metaphors are also powerful tools that can simplify complex issues and make them more approachable. For instance, a client feeling overwhelmed by a project might be asked to visualize climbing a mountain, focusing on taking one step at a time rather than being daunted by the peak, or to examine a challenge from a different perspective.

2. Role-Playing and Perspective Shifts: Sometimes, clients need to step outside of their own shoes to see a situation from a different angle. I often use role-playing exercises, where clients act out different scenarios or take on different roles (e.g., their future self, a mentor, or even the challenge itself - see this prior Substack for a deeper example of this process in practice). In job transition situations, I will sometimes play the role of the interviewer to allow my client to experience articulating their thoughts as if they were in the real interview. This creative exercise can lead to profound insights and a deeper understanding of the situation.

3. Mind Mapping and Brainstorming: These classic creative tools can be invaluable in coaching. Mind mapping allows clients to visually organize their thoughts, making it easier to see connections and patterns. Brainstorming sessions, free from judgment, can generate a wealth of ideas, some of which may lead to breakthrough solutions.

4. Storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful way to tap into creativity in coaching. I might encourage clients to tell the story of their journey, focusing on the narrative arc, key characters, and turning points. This can help clients make sense of their experiences, identify themes, and craft a vision for the future. “If you were writing a book of your life, what would the next chapter contain?” might be a prompt to further this type of creative exercise. For people struggling to articulate their unique value proposition to a prospective employer, framing it as a movie pitch can provide some useful distance from the emotion of being in a job search.

Rubin's insight that “The best art comes from a place of vulnerability” is particularly relevant here. In coaching, when clients are vulnerable enough to share their authentic stories and experiences, the creative process can flourish, leading to deeper connections and more meaningful progress.

Creativity as a Problem-Solving Tool

One of the primary goals of coaching is to help clients overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Creativity is an essential tool in this problem-solving process. When faced with a challenge, a creative approach might involve looking at the problem from a new angle, considering unconventional solutions, or applying lateral thinking.

A client struggling with time management might initially believe the solution lies in finding more efficient scheduling tools. However, through creative exploration, we might uncover deeper issues related to the client's priorities, values, or even their fears about success or failure. By addressing these underlying factors creatively, the client can develop more meaningful and sustainable solutions.

Rubin’s wisdom echoes this idea: “Often, the problem isn’t the problem. The problem is how we’re seeing the problem. Change your perspective, and the solution may reveal itself.” This shift in perspective is a hallmark of coaching, where clients are encouraged to see challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for growth and innovation.

The Co-Active Coaching principle that clients are resourceful reinforces this approach. It suggests that the answers lie within the client, and by creatively exploring different perspectives, the coach helps the client access their inherent resourcefulness to solve problems. Its humanistic approach was one of the things that most attracted me to this specific coaching methodology.

Encouraging Creative Confidence

Many clients come to coaching sessions with self-imposed limitations, often believing that they are not "creative enough" to solve their problems or achieve their goals. I believe that creativity is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be nurtured and developed.

Through the coaching process, I encourage my clients to experiment, take risks, and embrace the possibility of failure as a learning opportunity. This approach helps clients build creative confidence—the belief in their ability to generate creative ideas and solutions. As clients become more confident in their creative abilities, they are more likely to approach challenges with a sense of curiosity and openness, leading to more innovative outcomes.

Rubin’s assertion that “Every act of creativity is an act of faith” resonates strongly in the coaching context. Coaches help clients build that faith in themselves, enabling them to trust their creative instincts and take bold steps toward their goals. This is directly aligned with the Co-Active belief that clients are naturally creative and whole, capable of finding their own way forward.

The Role of Intuition in Creative Coaching

Intuition also plays a significant role in creative coaching. I have come to rely on my intuition to guide the conversation, ask the right questions, and sense what the client may need at any given moment. This intuitive approach allows me to be flexible and adaptive, shifting my methods and strategies as the session unfolds.

For clients, tapping into their intuition can also be a powerful creative tool. Intuition is often described as a "gut feeling" or an inner knowing that may not be immediately explainable through logic. I encourage my clients to listen to their intuition, which can lead to unexpected insights and creative solutions that might not emerge through purely analytical thinking.

In Rubin’s words, “The voice of intuition is always whispering, it’s just that we don’t always listen.” In coaching, learning to trust and act on these whispers can unlock new levels of creativity and problem-solving.

The Co-Active Coaching principle that clients are whole suggests that they have everything they need within themselves, including the wisdom of their intuition. By encouraging clients to tap into this inner knowing, I try to help them access their fullest potential.

The Impact of Creativity on Client Outcomes

Creativity in coaching not only enhances the process but also significantly impacts the outcomes. Clients who engage in creative coaching sessions often experience greater clarity, increased motivation, and a stronger sense of agency. They become more adept at navigating uncertainty, adapting to change, and finding innovative solutions to their challenges.

Moreover, creativity in coaching fosters a sense of playfulness and joy, which can be especially valuable in high-pressure or stressful situations. When clients are able to approach their goals with a sense of curiosity and play, they are more likely to stay engaged and persist through difficulties.

Embracing Creativity in Coaching

In the realm of professional coaching, creativity is a dynamic force that transforms the coaching experience from a linear, goal-oriented process into a rich, exploratory journey. By embracing creativity, both coaches and clients unlock new possibilities, overcome obstacles, and achieve greater fulfillment.

Creativity in coaching is not about being artistic; it's about thinking differently, challenging assumptions, and exploring new ways of being. Whether through visualization, storytelling, role-playing, or simply encouraging a mindset of curiosity, creativity enriches the coaching process and leads to more profound and lasting results.

The ability to think creatively and adapt to new challenges is more important than ever. Professional coaching, with its foundation in creativity, is uniquely positioned to help individuals and organizations thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. By harnessing the power of creativity, coaches and clients together can co-create a future filled with possibility and success.

As Rubin succinctly summarizes, “Creativity is not a means to an end. It is an expression of our deepest nature, and it is essential for a fulfilled life.” In coaching, this creative expression becomes a powerful tool for transformation and growth.

Inquiry: in what circumstances do you feel that you are at your most creative?