Practice & Potential: A Heuristic Inquiry into the potential of poetry for the reflexive coaching practitioner

J McCartney International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring 2018

A capability mind set which includes reflexivity enhances the competency frameworks promoted by the professional associations with their attention to self-awareness, self-insight and personal accountability. Reflexivity is a core enabler of ethical coaching practice and personal and professional growth. However a clear appreciation of the term, its application, its benefits and its practice emerges as a potential misconception. The benefits of writing of poetry are typically understood within related helping professions such as psychotherapy and this article explores a possible relationship regarding the potential of poetry in supporting reflexive engagement for the professional coaching practitioner.