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

• Main Author: Jacki McCartney
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Brookes University 2018-06-01
• Series: International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring
• Subjects: coaching; reflexivity; poetry; Heuristic Inquiry
• Online Access: https://radar.brookes.ac.uk/radar/file/2ec8d523-b5e3-44bc-9f6e-28fc99bc1913/1/SP12-11%20Jacki%20McCartney.pdf

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.