The word “coaching” is unregulated (unlike “chemistry” for instance). This unfortunately creates a lot of misunderstandings among the people who use and hear it. On this page, I try to give texture to what coaching can be, following the guidelines set by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
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Coaching is
- Future-focused, action-driven
- Setting goals, taking actions, and creating lasting change
- Client-driven (that means that you take charge)
Definition (by ICF):
“Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential“
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Coaching is not
Coaching can be good for
- Creating long-lasting change in behaviour
- Getting out of being on “autopilot” mode. Getting back in charge.
- Identifying your goals, action and next steps
- Gaining clarity of issues
- Improving well-being
- Adopting new habits (or eliminating old habits)
- Managing stress
- Improving work-life balance
- Exploring and understanding what, in your perception, is holding you back
- Gaining insights into who you are, your strengths, capabilities and potential
- Improving your relationship with yourself, your professional/work relationships
- Improving your communication
- Gaining more confidence
- Increase your motivation
- Learning to deal with your feelings better
- Learning to deal with other peoples' feelings better
Coaching is not good for
- Quick fixes
- “Solving” your past traumas
- Being told what’s the solution to our problem
- Severe mental health conditions
- Immediate crises
- Emergency decision-making
- Physical health issues
- Legal matters
- Financial planning
- Unwilling participants
- Addiction treatment
- Ethical decisions
- Moral judgments
- Technical training
What a coach does
My coaching approach
Metaphor: coaching is like kayaking on a river
When you are on a river:
- The water can be murky or crystal clear.
- The current can be slow or it can be fast.
- The water is sometimes deep, sometimes shallow.
- You might be getting tired, or bursting with energy.
- A storm might be on its way, or the sun might be shining.
- Maybe you haven’t been on a kayak in weeks, months, or even years.
- You might have to go against the current, or let yourself float downstream.
- You might be using a single old fashioned paddle, or a double modern paddle.
- You can be paddling alone, or with someone 🛶
A coach helps navigate the difficult passages, and keeps company along the ride.
Sometimes the path looks questionable.
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