Life Coach Interview: Dianna Salciccioli
Life Coach Interview: Dianna Salciccioli
Q1.)How did you get into life coaching?
A1.) I was a pastor’s wife for 16 years before I was trained and certified as a Ministry/Life Coach. As I look back I can see that I had been a “life coach” for most of my early ministry years in church ministry; I’ve always enjoyed helping people navigate the challenges and changes in their lives! It was my experiences as a ministry leader that helped me see the need for leaders to have someone to process their challenges and dreams with; a safe place to land. Without it, many leaders end up isolated. Being trusted to be that “safe place” for numerous women in leadership over the years is something I treasure.
Q2.) What’s your favorite part about being a life coach?
A2.)I love seeing leaders win! I love seeing leaders reach goals they never thought they could, get healthier than they ever imagined, grow in their relationships deeper than they thought possible, and lead with confidence. Being a trusted advisor while a leader walks through the many changes and seasons of life is truly amazing. I have a card file that I name the “why I coach file”—in it there are many, many cards that I have received from my clients; the statement on most of them that I love the most is “I just never imagined that I could ________, but I did it!!”
Q3.)What is the biggest misconception about life coaching?
A3.)Well, there are a few. One, that coaching is just “talking”. Coaching is an intentional on-going conversation and exploration of the life and goals for a leader. Coaching keeps a finger on the pulse of those life accounts that the leader has expressed to have key importance in their lives. The coaching conversation is about action and results.
The second misconception is that Life Coaching is a modern word for counseling. Truly there are times when I know it’s time in a session to remove my coaching hat and put on my counseling hat; sensitive issues, losses, etc. But Life Coaching is about “how” to move through those challenges. A counselor is a better fit for those dealing with deep challenges.
The third misconception is that it is the Coaches role to tell their leaders what they should do; to drive the direction that I think would be best. However, this is not the case. My role as a Life Coach is to help leaders discover their best direction and then empower them to begin to make needed changes.
Q4.)How do you incorporate God or biblical principles into your life coaching?
A4.)I love how Proverbs has so many rich nuggets of wisdom that relate to our lives, I like to use them regularly in helping leaders consider fresh ideas. Most of my coaching over the past 12 years has been among those who have a strong faith, yet my coaching has spanned across every denomination and non-denomination so I am extremely careful not to coach from my personal biases.
That being said, I have loved the freedom of sharing our faiths with one another and getting the privilege to pray at the end of our sessions if I am asked.
Q5.)What is the biggest benefit that your clients rave about after working with you?
A5.)1..“Having a third-party insight and the voice of wisdom speak into your reality is priceless!”
2. “Having someone wise and caring outside the organization who believes in you, will speak honestly with you, hold you accountable and help you see where your own emotions or fatigue are blocking you, all combine to create success in being the best version of yourself that you can be. “
3. “Coaching with Dianna has given me a new level of confidence! She always reminded me to ask, “What is God saying to me right now?” and thoughtfully answer. Even once coaching ended, I still think through how to be intentional in my different life accounts. She helps you identify what your life dream is, and cheers you to go after it and find practical steps to get there!
Q6.)In order to get the most from life coaching, what advice would you give someone looking to become a coaching client?
A6.)I feel it’s key to assess whether or not you are ready to make fresh changes in your life, coaching is not something you can be pushed to do, it is something you choose to engage in for your own benefit. Are you in a place of honesty and do you feel committed to taking steps, even baby steps, to move toward fresh goals, are you willing to be kept accountable for the Action Steps you’ve committed to? A personal readiness and commitment is key to a successful coaching experience.
It’s important to find a Life Coach that you feel you can connect with. Some folks want someone who is firm and directed while others may want someone with a stronger relational connection. The Coaching relationship is an important one so it’s key to find the very best fit for you!
Q7.)What current projects are you working on?
A7.)My husband and I have just completed creating an online tool for the leaders we coach. The tool is key to helping church and business leaders create coaching cultures within their organizations. We are very excited about the growth possibilities for them! I am starting a book for women discussing key elements we need to navigate the many seasons and assignments we encounter in our lives. I coach so many women in numerous life transitions, some very overwhelming: aging parents, empty nest, menopause, illness, new marriage, career change, etc. How can we walk through these changes without losing ourselves in the process?
Q8.)Any final thoughts about sharing life coaching with my blog readers?
A8.)One of the greatest values of engaging in a coaching relationship is the opportunity to gain greater momentum in each key account in your life: faith, family, finances, health, personal/professional planning, and priority management. Just like in sports; an athletic Coach takes raw talent and intentionally trains towards a goal. A Life Coach will help draw out those deep longings in your heart, those goals and dreams you’ve allowed to go dormant, and will help you to see the possibilities in a whole new light!
LIFE COACH BIO: Dianna Salciccioli
Dianna Salciccioli is a Professional Life Coach. She was a Ministry Coach with Ministry Coaching International for 9 years before founding Coachwell alongside her husband, Greg, in 2011. Dianna was originally trained and certified by Building Champions as a Ministry Coach, and continued her training with Ministry Coaching International until establishing Coachwell, where we have designed a Professional Coaching Certification that we now offer.
Dianna has spent years as a mentor to women and teens as a pastor’s wife. She understands the challenges and celebrations of Ministry life as has been a valued support to many ministry leaders.
Dianna is passionate about helping leaders clarify their passions, dreams big dreams, and trust in God’s heart for them as they bravely press forward to live a life full of legacy.
http://salciccioli.wordpress.com/
(c) 2013 Cheryl Cope
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