Coaching is walking alongside someone (coachee) as they navigate the often imperfect journey through careers and lives. It’s a form of learning, where a coach supports the coachee to make progress in some way. Progress might include; to reach a goal, solve problems, or some form of change.
The ICF’s definition of coaching is:
partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
Coaching conversations can happen in different ways, and different environments. For example, in person or online. When in person, it could be in an office or even outside walking, as long as the environment provides a quiet and safe space for the session.
How does coaching work?
Effective coaching blends questioning, listening, observation and feedback to create conversation rich in insight and learning that accompany the coachee on their chosen goals or areas of focus. Coaching helps coachees acquire new perspectives and an increased awareness of the resources available to them on the path to achieving their desired results.
Coaching sessions aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where coachees feel seen, heard, and encouraged. Space is created for thinking and those ‘lightbulb moments’ for the coachee to reach a deeper understanding on where they are, where they want to be and what they need to do to get there.
Typical benefits of coaching include:
- Enhanced self-awareness – a clearer understanding of strengths, blind spots, and behavioral patterns
- Improved communication skills – better listeners, asking more powerful questions, and communicating with greater clarity and empathy
- Better decision-making – stronger analytical and strategic thinking capabilities
- Increased emotional intelligence – greater emotional regulation, improved relationship management, and enhanced ability to navigate workplace dynamics
- Improved performance – measurable improvements in team performance, employee engagement, and business outcomes
- Stronger workplace presence – increased confidence, authenticity, and leadership presence
- Improved personal effectiveness – better stress management skills and increased ability to navigate change and challenges
- Increased motivation – observing improvements in various areas it ignites more energy and a positive outlook
Coaching compared to other services
Coaching vs Mentoring
Mentoring involves a more experienced person sharing their experience so the client can learn how to do something.
With coaching, the coach believes you’re the expert in your own life and rarely makes recommendations based on their experience or expertise.
Coaching vs Counselling
Counselling or psychotherapy tends to focus on understanding, resolving, and healing emotional trauma and pain carried through from the past.
Coaching is future facing, and focused on behaviour change. It ‘glances’ backwards where it will be useful in helping someone move forwards.