The Coaching Weblog

In the Antique Greece, they coached too

Still more people are seeking to ground coaching on a solid platform of science; philosophy, sociology, psychology and neurology to mention but a few approaches. The Danish professor and doctor of philosophy, Ole Fogh Kirkeby, is one of these people and in his work he bridges the coaching of today with the “protreptic practice” of the Antique Greece.

In classical Greek philosophy the meeting with another person, that leads us to review our life and priorities is called protreptic. The term derives from the Greek word προτρέπω (a compound of πρό- and τρέπω) which means "to urge forward; to exhort; to encourage." The protreptic thus becomes the art of turning another person towards notions, thoughts and acts that are worth pursuing for this individual offering positive by-effects to him and the community that surrounds him.

When coaching is at its best, Kirkeby says, it has a magical ability of turning a person towards a central zone in himself where what is essential for life and work melts together. In the protreptic meeting the coachee: “leaves his shell and is welcomed as a guest in his own life by somebody else” (i.e. the coach).

The raison d´être of protreptic is turning a person towards his own life and thus is resembles what is also known as “existential coaching”. Even though I offer business coaching I recognise the main purpose from many a goal setting; not the least working with the talents of today.

Turning talents towards what is important to them 

Young professional seek 1:1 coaching in order to create a sustainable Work Life Balance. They realise that they stretch their resources in an unhealthy way that will not be tolerable in the long run. Not the least male talents have this broad goal when they start a coaching process: They may have a partner who they currently do not see that much and who may even be the main responsible for children, house, daily life etc. while seeking to further her own carrier. The talents realise that they must work wholeheartedly towards a Work Life Balance that is sustainable and offers mutual benefit, support and happiness.

Understanding this priority of many talents of today is essential for both managers and HR-personnel. Often offering 1:1 coaching and thereby paving the way of turning the knob called Work Life Balance is a key to create employee satisfaction and dedication: The talents feel their needs and personal wellbeing is respected and honoured by the company and they very much value that the company finds it worthwhile to invest in this core balance in life.

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