The Art of Simplicity: A Lesson from Craft and Coaching
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting an extraordinary craft exhibition where talented woodworkers transformed the same starting material—a piece of Scottish ash—into stunning, unique creations. Wandering through the exhibits, I noticed I was naturally drawn to certain pieces. It was as though they radiated a quiet, magnetic pull (even though they were made of wood, not iron!). The common thread? Simplicity.
From functional items like a chair, a bench, and even a rake, simplicity stood out as the defining trait. These pieces weren’t just practical—they were refined to perfection. Their beauty stemmed from clean lines, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a lack of unnecessary embellishments. They felt inviting—a bench you’d want to sit on for hours of conversation or a rake that made you want to sweep hay just for the experience!
This simplicity didn’t mean the items were plain or basic, though. Quite the opposite. They had been thoughtfully crafted to make the most of their form and material. Every distraction had been stripped away, leaving behind only the essence of their potential. They showcased how, in the absence of excess, true beauty shines.
And it struck me—this is exactly what good coaching should embody. Coaching, when done well, is simple. Simple to access and easy to engage with. After all, no one wants to spend more time choosing a coach than actually benefiting from one! Simplicity in coaching means creating a space that encourages deep thought and the emergence of new insights.
At its core, great coaching is about facilitating thinking. A skilled coach helps you focus on what truly matters, guiding you to explore with depth and clarity. They create an open space where thoughts can flow freely and new realizations emerge. Much like the simple yet exquisite craftsmanship I witnessed at the exhibition, good coaching removes distractions, allowing you to uncover your true potential.
Personally, I’ve experienced this firsthand. In sessions with my colleagues from the Start Here Coach collective, I’ve found solutions to challenges I’d wrestled with alone for ages. Their straightforward yet probing questions create a thinking space that leads to clarity I wouldn’t have reached on my own. It’s a powerful reminder that taking the simple step of asking someone to help you think can unlock profound insights and understanding.
If you’re curious about the designs that inspired this reflection, I highly recommend exploring the exhibition at Scottish Furniture Makers. Who knows—it might inspire you to embrace simplicity in your own life or work!
