Track 1 Intra/Interpersonal Space Paper Presentation: Coaching Conversations: Inquiry and fostering a safe space for building trusting relationships
Abstract: This research paper is based on a case study of graduate level certified coaches and their clients, exploring how conversational inquiry—questioning and listening—interacts with relational trust. Findings indicate inquiry can help build trust, thus fostering a safe and supportive space for meaning making and goal attainment. This study informs coaches/clients/sponsors/educators about the role inquiry and trust play in helping clients succeed. Ten client-coach pairs participated in semi-structured interviews and a relationship survey.
Alison Walling (USA)
Alison Walling founded Walling & Associates, a management consulting practice. She has designed and facilitated talent development programs for over 10 years, beginning at Goldman Sachs. She is an instructor for the executive education Columbia Essentials of Management program at Columbia Business School. She is a Columbia doctoral candidate researching executive coaching. Her awards include New York University’s Hillary Citrin Memorial Prize for outstanding honors thesis in psychology and the NYU President’s Service Award.
