Quote Originally Posted by Wahine View Post
I agree completely with Gnat. But I'd also add that I think that women tend to break things down into steps/details more automatically. There's actually some research out there to support this, maybe not in coaching specifically but definitely in spatial cognition and navigation.

So can anyone learn to coach in that manner, absolutely. I just think it comes more naturally to women. Realizing of course that there is a very large spectrum of thought patterns/styles within either gender.
You just said in a few sentences what I've thinking all day.

I should add that another reason I learn better from women has to do with my own personality. I'm more self conscious about trying new skills around men that I don't know well than I am around any woman. This is true even if the man happens to be the instructor.

I'm also more likely to try a new skill if I've seen other women do it. In fact, I experienced this on a recent ride with Jessmarimba. She rode 2 steep downhill switchbacks that I had been walking. Seeing Jess ride those switchbacks was more confidence inspiring than watching my hubby ace them time and time again. I aced both of the switchbacks, too, but may not have even attempted them yet if not for seeing Jess doing it.