The next section includes terms that may be used during our sessions and is included to familiarize you with common terminology.

Asking Permission
Occasionally, I will have an observation and will ask your permission to share.  This is to honor that you are running the show without interference. 

Bottom-Lining
In the interest of being cost-effective, I will on occasion ask you to bottom-line your learning, which means for you to summarize in one or two sentences what you are saying. As a warning, this can sometimes feel a bit abrupt and impersonal, but the goal is to get at the meat of the issue versus the story. 

Clearing
Clearing refers to eliminating any distractions that you may have.  A clearing may involve a breathing exercise, meditation, or some action to get your mind focused on the present. 

Gremlins

A gremlin is a belief that you have about your situation that shows up in your language or behavior, such as “I need to get that done”.  These beliefs position you as a victim of someone else’s wishes and holds you powerless and without choice.  Ultimately, they limit your ability to move forward, create reluctance, and unwanted results.   

Intervening
This involves interrupting your gremlin conversation and providing you with a wake-up call to your limiting word choice.  You may be asked to restate the question in a way that is more empowering. This can be both revealing and annoying.  The goal is not to annoy, but to have you discover if you have a belief that doesn’t serve you. 

Inquiry
Inquiries are open-ended questions designed for reflection relevant to the situation you are facing  (e.g.-What do I get from being stuck?).  These are included in your homework.  They require you to dig deep and think more thoughtfully about a topic. 

Requests

Requests are a call-to-action with specific action, time frame, and frequency  (e.g.- Will you make 5 follow-up calls this week so that you can increase your business?).  Both inquiries and requests should feel achievable and you are responsible for saying “No” or amending your home work to fit your need.

Reframing
When you are asked to reframe a statement, it means to use  languate that frames the situation in a positive light. For example, you may say your goal is to not lose your job versus find a secure job.  

Structures/Tools
Structures/Tools are simply ways to remind you and keep you focused on your commitments in the foreground (e.g.-post-it notes, etc)

C.J. Liu Work Life Coach