What is Coaching?
Coaching supports the individual client in their unique journey of exploration and discovery. It is a comprehensive process that may involve different areas of the client’s life, including work, health, family and other relationships as well as clarifying values, beliefs and habits that support them. Sessions may include brainstorming, action planning, asking clarifying questions, and making challenging requests. Often, the hard work happens between sessions – when the client reflects upon emerging insights and engages in the personal work that is critical to the success of the engagement.
Coaching begins with an assumption that the client is highly knowledgeable about the nature of their own personal and professional development. The coach draws on the client’s wisdom through inquiry and curiosity to help the client stretch into their full capacities. Coaching is attentive to the client’s cognitive, physical, and emotional self as well as how those qualities are expressed through language and behavior. The coach also seeks to understand the organizational culture and systems (including policies and practices) where the client works in order to better support the client’s professional development. Coaching is distinct from consulting, advising, therapy, or counseling.
Getting the most out of coaching
· Think about the larger agenda or priorities that you hope to address.
· Take time before each session to determine what you want to achieve during the session.
· Treat coaching as a valuable investment with an intentional focus and be ready to engage and take meaningful actions.
· Complete what you agree to do between sessions and try to integrate what is learned.
· Be open to trying new approaches and experimenting.
· Be willing to change beliefs and patterns if they do not serve your goals.
· Communicate openly and honestly with your coach.
