Yesterday, the exceptionally talented coach Thierry Chavel kindly asked me why naming my consultancy I-You. The short answer is that coaching is all about genuine relationships.
The longer answer lies in Martin Buber’s concept, published in his 1923 book Ich und Du. Buber proposes two ways we connect: “I-It” and “I-Thou.” In I-Thou interactions, individuals engage genuinely, recognizing each other’s uniqueness. This contrasts with I-It interactions, in which things or people are used for our needs. True fulfillment arises from I-Thou connections, marked by mutual respect and presence, creating profound and meaningful interactions.
As a coach, each client interaction enriches my experience, and I greatly appreciate their trust in me.
