Coaching Outdoors

Lesley Roberts BEd, MSc is an executive coach and adventurer who has been coaching outdoors since 1999. Her academic research focused on how nature can support coach and client. After 16 years with Mars Inc she founded Brave Conversations, working with global teams and individuals to unlock their potential. In 2019 she founded Coaching Outdoors to bring the benefits of partnering with nature to as many people as possible.

An interesting approach to coaching...Nicely done.

• Table of ContentsPRELIMSForeword by Neil Reynolds, Mars IncWhat you will find in this bookMAIN CONTENTPART 1 – Setting the SceneAbout the author and introductionA brief orientation to coaching in generalWhat is coaching outdoors?& Coaching outdoors in the context of other types of coachingWhy has Coaching Outdoors become Topical?Why has being outdoors become so talked about now – a comment on society todayToday’s business worldCovid-19Peter Hawkins challengeBenefits from Being OutdoorsThe evolutionary human connection with natureBenefits of being outsidePositive effects of natureResearch into walking outside and coaching and walkingPART 2 – Getting StartedChoosing the Right LocationThe differences between extreme adventures, hill walking and a walk in the parkCity, rural, office groundsWhere to go, what is appropriate and what isn’t?What practicalities need to be considered?Green space/blue space researchACTIVITY - Self-coaching walkContractingWhat’s different to indoors?What do I need to include?ACTIVITY - Practice with a clientWeatherWhere’s your comfort zone?Where’s your clients comfort zone?ACTIVITY – Self-exploration walkKitWhat to wearWhat to takeACTIVITY – Self-exploration walk/Reflection exercisePsychological SafetyConsiderations How locations can support a variety of issuesACTIVITY – Plan for a client session & re-tweak contract if necessaryGive it a GoACTIVITY – Prompt to give it a go in a client session & reflectPART 3 – The Circle of BenefitsBenefits for the CoacheeSpacePerspectiveCreativityPresenceSide by sideBenefits for the Coach Nature as Co-facilitator/The Evoked CompanionSpeed of connectionDepth of conversationPresenceBraveryBenefits for the Organization Making the business caseOvercoming resistanceWellbeing/ResilienceA new way of working for faster resultsLongevity of impactIt’s all about how you introduce itBenefits for the PlanetIt all starts with our relationship with naturePersonal responsibilityPersonal choicePART 4 – Who am I to Coach Outdoors?Your purpose ACTIVITY – Self-Coaching & JournalingYour personal outdoor practiceModel for time outdoorsYour outdoor coaching practiceACTIVITY – Elevator pitchPART 5 – Nature as Co-FacilitatorOpportunities for The Coach – Making the most of the outside environmentMore than just taking the worksheet outsideNature as a mirrorStories and examplesACTIVITYMetaphorStories and examplesACTIVITYConstellationsStories and examplesACTIVITYSeasonsStories and examplesACTIVITYGive it a GoTrust your intuitionACTIVITY – Prompt to give it a go in a client session & reflectPART 6 – Teams & Remote WorkWorking Outdoors with TeamsWhat is the difference to working with an individual?What to be aware ofOpportunities for teams/team coachesStories and examplesWorking Remotely with NatureOver the phoneOver computer(including examples, ideas and top tips)PART 7 – Final ThoughtsThe Future of Coaching OutdoorsConclusionCoaching Outdoors is accessible and multi-beneficial for most and appropriate for many, brining benefits to both coach, client and organization.END MATTERAppendicesSample map of an outdoor space for coachingCheck-list of things to inform client aboutCheck-list of things to bring; coach and clientList of ideas for working with nature indoorsRisk Assessment formAcknowledgementsReferences