As a Sr. Career Coach, I encounter many students and younger colleagues that look to me for meaningful advice. Never for one minute do I minimize what that responsibility requires. If someone is willing to open-up to me, it is my place to listen and help them look for a path forward. I try to reduce the resistance, the friction, the inner conflicts that get in the way so that the path is clean and simple. Best case scenario, I can help not just reduce but eliminate all of that.
The ‘VENT’ is the starting point. This is the outlet and inlet, and to find that comfort zone that allows someone the opportunity to speak their mind, to share some of the pain points, they MUST trust you. It can be difficult to establish that quickly. What is the secret sauce to earn that? You need to establish an instant rapport, demonstrate and provide a ‘signal’ that makes people relax. This comes from experience. When people sense that you can help, they will reveal things of significance. They take you into their confidence, and when they do keep the dialogue moving. Develop some rhythm. Ask good and worthwhile questions. Be sincere. Make them feel comfortable. Empower them. Allow them the opportunity to discover their voice, the strengths and the core of who they are, what have they accomplished and help them translate the pain points into talking points that support their backstory.
If someone is willing to vent, they are leaning on and into you for guidance. Sometimes the vent creates a moment in time that allows someone an opportunity to get stuff off their chest, to discharge, to confide, to relieve, and to clean the mind. Remember, if someone is willing to have this moment with you, please take it seriously. Listen, process and respond. Acknowledge their pain, their stress, their worries and help them find the ‘sweet spot’ between where they are and where they want to be. It begins with THE VENT.
