The Power of Pause
The Power of Pausing in Coaching Practice- How Taking Time to Reflect Boosts Personal and Professional Growth
In the world of coaching, where conversations flow and insights emerge in real time, the true magic often happens in the silence between sessions. That magic comes not from constant action, but from pausing, the intentional act of reflection. At the British School of Coaching (BSC), we emphasise the value of reflective practice as a cornerstone for developing thoughtful, ethical, and effective coaches. Whether you are a new coach in training or a seasoned executive coach, learning to pause is not just helpful, it is transformative.
Why Pausing Matters in Coaching
Coaching is not simply a transactional exchange of questions and answers. It is a reflective partnership, where both coach and coachee benefit from moments of stillness. The “pause” offers a chance to process what has been said, to tune into emotional undercurrents, and to invite deeper insights. According to Julie Starr, reflection helps coaches “see beyond the obvious” and fosters self-awareness, one of the most critical competencies in coaching.
In executive and senior-level coaching, where complex dynamics unfold, the pause can be even more vital. It allows the coach to operate from a place of intention rather than instinct, grounded in ethical frameworks like the Global Code of Ethics and reflective models used in BSC programmes, such as Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle or Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle.
Reflection for Professional Mastery
Pausing supports ongoing growth. Reflection helps you review your coaching conversations, consider what worked, and recognise areas for improvement. This self-awareness enhances your coaching presence, sharpens your questioning skills, and deepens your listening capacity, all vital qualities described in BSC’s ILM accredited coaching qualifications.
At BSC, we encourage reflective journaling throughout our programmes, whether you are part of the ILM Level 3, Level 5, or Level 7 Executive Coaching & Mentoring courses. Journaling captures the lessons that surface in the stillness and helps coaches anchor their learning into practice.
Ways to Incorporate the Pause
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After Each Session: Ask yourself: What stood out? What did I learn about myself as a coach? What emotions came up?
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Before Starting a New Session: Take a few minutes to ground yourself. What presence do you want to bring into this space?
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Weekly Review: Use a reflective journal or template, like the ones from the BSC Resource Hub, to track your development.
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Peer or Group Supervision: Dialoguing with other coaches in a BSC Coaching Supervision Programme or Coaches Business Club helps you refine your practice through shared learning.
A Pause Is Not a Delay — It’s an Investment
In an age where productivity is prized, pausing might feel counterintuitive. Yet pausing is productive, it boosts creativity, sharpens emotional intelligence, and supports ethical practice. A reflective coach is a resilient and resourceful coach.
The British School of Coaching believes in the rhythm of action and reflection. As we often say, the pause is part of the practice. To become more effective, more present, and more human in your coaching, take time to reflect, not just on what you do, but on who you are becoming.
Ready to develop reflection-rich coaching skills?
Visit the BSC website to explore our accredited coaching programmes, supervision groups, and CPD resources: www.britishschoolofcoaching.com.
