Cathy Liska Competency 5. Maintains Presence says, “is fully conscious and present with the client, employing a style that is open, flexible, grounded, and confident.” The openness and flexibility call on us to adjust to diverse clients. 5.1 says we are to remain focused, observant, empathetic, and responsive which requires understanding the client and the influence of their culture and experiences. 5.2 says to demonstrate curiosity which supports learning about the client. 5.4 says to demonstrate confidence working with strong emotions which means adapting to the client. 5.5 is a favorite – it says, “is comfortable working in a space of not knowing.” In addition to this being about the client discovering their own solutions it is also about humility in terms of understanding the client. 
Competency 6 is Listens Actively. The definition is “focuses on what the client is and is not saying to fully understand what is being communicated in the context of clients systems and to support client self-expression.” The context of their systems speaks to their culture, environment, and experiences. Their context influences how they say things as well as what do they do not say. The coach uses awareness to support their clients’ self-expression and explore further.
Competency 6.1 says “considers the client’s context, identity, environment, experiences, values, and beliefs to enhance understanding of what the client is communicating.” This speaks to knowing the client so we can consider context. The coach must learn about the context, the identity, the environment, experiences, values, and beliefs in support of clarity and awareness for the client while also enhancing understanding.
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