Coaching FAQ
What Is Coaching?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership."
So basically a coach "is someone who helps you imagine a greater possibility for yourself and then supports you in achieving it." Ajit Nawalkha, Evercoach by Mindvalley.
Coaching is based on 5 main principles:
Everything is alright with people. There are no wrong people.
In people, there is initial power to achieve the goal.
All actions are carried out with positive intentions.
Change is inevitable and happens all of the time.
People seek to choose the best option from the opportunities available to them.
What Coaching Is?
Coaching is:
A Partnership Between Coach & Coachee Founded on Trust
Client-Centered
Based on Growth, Goals, & Potential
Exploratory and Open-Minded
Future Focused & Proactive
Focused on Strengths, Abilities, and Willingness to Change
Shifting Perspectives and Thought Processes
Action Oriented & Strategic
Problem Solving, Solutions-Based
Celebrating Accomplishments
What Coaching Is Not?
It is not
A Set of Solutions or Answers
An Easy Fix
About Getting to the "Right" Answer
Fixing People and Problems
Based on Opinions, Judgements, Influences
Competitive
Focused on Weaknesses
Teaching, Consulting, Mentoring, Advising...
Therapy, Psychology, Counselling (No Diagnoses)
Who Is Coaching For?
Coaching is for anyone who wants to move forward in life. It is for people who feel stuck or who are craving change. Coaching is for people who want to explore new ideas and options but aren't sure how. It can help people solidify visions and the plans to achieve them. Coaching also helps people going through a personal or professional transition.
Basically, coaching is for anyone who want support while working towards their goals. Which means, coaching is for anyone. That's the great part about it.
What Do Coaches Do?
Actively Listen
Ask Focused and Reflective Questions
Allow Time & Space For Coachees to Answer
Facilitate the Exploration of Ideas, Options, and Opportunities
Support Transitions in a Non-Judgmental Manner
Empower and Validate Coachees
Challenge & Support Thought Process
Act as Accountability Agent
What Are The Types Of Coaching?
There are many different types of coaching, but they can be broken down into some main categories:
Life Coaching: This normally focuses on non-work related topics, such as health and wellbeing, spirituality, relationships, hobbies, sports, routines, behaviours, and confidence.
Career Coaching: This focuses on many career related topics including personal career growth, career pivots, aspirations, confidence, leadership, time management, and communication.
Business Coaching: This includes executive and organizational coaching. It focuses primarily on the functioning of an organization, teams, developing leaders, and much more.
Want to Learn More?
I've just touched on the surface of what coaching is. And, unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about coaching out there. I suggest checking out the following:
BOOK: Coaching for Performance by John Whitmore
BOOK: The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey
WEBSITE: https://experiencecoaching.com/