THE WHAT AND WHY OF COACHING

Prior to engaging with a coach – or even as you embark on your coaching experience – individuals and organizations can often be unclear about what they are contracting the coaching for. If you have not had any previous experience with a coach, you will likely wonder what coaching involves, what the coaching process looks like, and what kind of results you can expect.

 

First

Coaching is delivered through a process of conversation. The focus is primarily set by the individual being coached. If coaching is being supported by an organization, there may be mutual goal setting between employer and individual leader, but ultimately the intent is to support the achievement of individually established objectives. Objectives may be long term (to be achieved over the course of a year) or may shift from session to session.

Second

With a focus determined by you, the client, a coach is entirely committed to helping define and establish stretch goals, support the work required by the client to attain those goals, and critically evaluate real and perceived barriers to success. 

Third

Success in the coaching engagement and in achieving desired goals is directly proportional to the commitment of the individual being coached. The coaching relationship is a true partnership, but the coach acts only in service of the client and can only move at the pace of the client.

 

 

Finally

Coaching is a focused and intense commitment on the part of a coach in relationship with an equally committed and willing partner that work together to discover, explore, and fully realize a potential not previously dreamed of or imagined before.

Potential reasons that an organization or an individual might engage a coach to:

  • Take your business or entrepreneurial venture to the next level;

  • Encourage personal growth and development;

  • Expand and develop leadership competencies;

  • Build on other training or professional development;

  • Meet specific business or organizational objectives;

  • Transition to the next level of leadership;

  • Support individual career planning; and

  • Strike a work/life balance that works for you.

 

Effective coaching cannot be delivered without establishing a trust-based relationship between coach and client. Clients are assured of absolute confidentiality in their engagement. Only in this way can a client feel completely at ease and confident in exploring all aspects of the issues, opportunities, and challenges that he/she desires to address. A relationship based on trust ensures that that your coaching experience can be maximized. 

Success in the coaching engagement and in achieving desired goals is directly proportional to the commitment of the individual being coached. The coaching relationship is a true partnership, but the coach acts only in service of the client and can only move at the pace of the client.