What is Coaching?
This is a post from a page on my previous website that I had on a separate page, and now that I have a different structure for my website, wanted to make sure it’s captured and accessible for all of you to see! From time to time, I’ll chat about coaching, and how it can help you. If you’re looking for the basics, here’s a great resource!
What is coaching?
Here’s a great video from the International Coach Federation that explains how a coach can help you:
https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/736093627.webp?mw=1920&mh=1080
How does coaching differ?
Coaches have no agenda other than to help the client get what he/she wants. There are times when a coach may act as a consultant, suggesting ideas from his/her knowledge and experience, but the coach partners and works with the client to implement an effective action plan.
A coach differs from a mentor in the sense that a coach does not use his/her personal experiences as a model of success for the client; rather, the coach is an expert on the coaching process and focuses on the client being the expert of his/her own life.
Coaching is not the same as therapy; a therapist’s typical function is to help clients fix problems and overcome issues (focusing on “why”), while coaches focus on solutions that help the client move forward (focusing on “how.”).
Professional coaches don’t operate like sports coaches – although very similar, professional coaching is not based on competition or a win-or-lose scenario; rather, it is focused on bringing out the best in the client.
Finally, the difference between a coach and a friend: a friend may give you advice based on their knowledge of you, and may not point out various issues you should be addressing, for fear of hurting your feelings. A coach focuses on being nonjudgmental and objective, and holds the client accountable against the goals he/she wants to achieve.
Coaching is a confidential and safe environment that takes you from where you currently are, to where you want to be, in an efficient manner! It is a collaborative effort that is solely based on the clients agenda. When you work with a coach, you’re investing into YOURSELF (not a coach)!!!!
