If you've ever looked at a coaching client and thought, where do I even begin, then this

episode is for you. Hi, friends. I'm Elena Aguilar and this is the Bright Morning podcast.

Every week, I'll help you lead conversations that build connection and spark change.

When you're working with someone new or someone who's really struggling,

and it seems like there's a gap in every direction,

classroom management, planning, relationships, biases, lack of confidence, it's overwhelming. And the fear

can creep in. What if I can't help them today? Well, we're going to talk about how to take the lead

in these moments using the Gap's framework. You will learn how to name

what's happening, engage your client in building awareness, and then create a plan that inspires hope.

Here's what's at the root of this challenge. As a coach, you'll meet clients

who have a lot of areas for growth. And when everything feels urgent, you might avoid naming the

issues, try to fix everything at once, or give up and focus only on logistics.

None of those responses help the teacher or you grow. So if you're feeling overwhelmed, then your client probably is too. And when you both are

overwhelmed, no one can think clearly or take effective action. So the solution isn't to ignore the

gaps or rush to fix them. It's to get strategic and relational. And that's where

the gaps framework comes in. I have coached so many new teachers who were thrown into classrooms

without preparation. The first time I observed one of them, I was stunned.

Kids were roaming.

Materials were everywhere, and the teacher was just surviving.

And I remember thinking there are so many gaps here.

How will I ever help this teacher?

And then I remembered one step at a time,

...