The goal is to discover new perspectives within oneself and encourage actions that transform life based on these newfound insights.
Coaching strives to cultivate deep self-awareness, behavioral changes, decisive steps, and ultimately, results that align with the client’s goals. It requires active participation: evaluating, contemplating, envisioning, problem-solving, and implementing strategies.
Essence of Coaching
Coaching revolves around you—your objectives, your learning, and your development.
It prioritizes learning over instruction. You are the authority on your life. A coach employs techniques like attentive listening, open-ended queries, encouragement, gentle challenge, and unwavering support—all geared to aid your journey towards insights and subsequent steps.
Coaching is about action – your action. Each session you will determine 1-3 actions steps you will take before the next session. You may be surprised how quickly you progress toward your goals.
Coaching is about all of you – not just your work or ministry. We all know that changing old habits and thought patterns are difficult. Your coach recognizes these patterns and will support you as you change and grow.
What Coaching Isn’t
It’s not therapy. Though communication techniques might overlap, therapy focuses on resolving past issues to facilitate progress. Coaching, on the other hand, targets future-oriented actions for individuals relatively free from psychological or emotional barriers.
It’s distinct from mentoring. Mentors, experts in a field, aim to pass on their expertise, offering guidance, advice, and encouragement. While they might utilize coaching methods, they primarily assume roles as advisors and instructors.
It’s not training. Training imposes an external agenda set by the trainer. Coaching, however, places you in charge. Coaches leverage self-discovery principles to inspire internal motivation for change.
It’s not authoritative. Remember that tough sports coach who’d push excessively? That’s not coaching. While coaches push boundaries, they remain supportive. The reins are in your hands; the decisions and actions are yours.
Why Does Coaching Work?
Coaching is effective because it draws forth your inherent potential—it amplifies what’s already within you. Coaches believe in your ability to craft your optimal solutions and are trained to facilitate this process.
During coaching sessions, your coach will:
- Listen attentively, centering the conversation around your narrative, while being attuned to insights from within and encouraging you to do the same.
- Pose thought-provoking questions, igniting your creativity and vision for the future.
- Provide much-needed encouragement, recognizing your vision, progress, and efforts.
- Facilitate your learning and problem-solving, yet always letting you lead—with your goals and approach steering the journey.
Schedule A Free Discovery Call
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free discovery call and learn how I can partner with you to help you achieve your goals so you can creatively live and lead well! Coaching conversations are held online via Zoom or in person in Portland, Oregon, USA.
I am an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), which is recognized as the world’s largest organization of professionally trained coaches.
