What is coaching?
Coaching is a conversation, or series of conversations, that helps a person (coachee) move forward. For example, toward achieving a specific goal, clarifying uncertainty, solving a problem or creating some form of change or learning in themselves. Coaching supports a coachee to work out the right next steps for themselves, often in a way that grows the coachee’s self-awareness and personal development.
How does it work?
Coaching involves listening, asking questions, observation and feedback. This may include the use of behavioural tools, such as DiSC, which help a coachee better understand their behaviour and communication style and preferences.
This can happen in person, over Zoom or on the phone.
What are the benefits?
Insight and learning, which brings new ways to tackle challenges and see their goals become a reality
Improved focus, performance, and direction
Improved personal development and effectiveness
Enhanced learning on a particular topic, for example, personal impact, managing others, growing in confidence and communication skills
Greater motivation and resilience
What isn’t coaching?
Coaching is not structured training as you might receive in a classroom. A trainer has certain information they need to communicate, whereas a coach is led by the coachee regarding the direction and content of the sessions. It’s much more flexible and put the responsibility and ownership for the learning on the coachee, whilst supporting and encouraging them in this. Coaching helps draw the solutions out from the coachee rather than tell them what to do.
Coaching is not counselling or therapy. It’s important that some issues, such as depression, are best shared with someone trained to help and support in those particular situations. However, it can be helpful for issues such as milder anxiety, low confidence and self-doubt because it grows our self-awareness and understanding of our circumstances. ‘Sometimes, we know our own answers and simply need support to implement our own solutions.’ (Julia Starr, The Coaching Manual)
What you can expect from your coach?
A coach will give you a focus, attention and commitment that is rarely found elsewhere. They will listen to truly understand you and your situations, reflect back to you and ask questions that challenge your thinking – bringing clarity and breakthrough in areas that may have felt stuck.
Confidentiality is an important aspect of the coaching relationship. Confidentiality will be maintained unless serious concerns arise requiring action under the current safeguarding laws. If a third party has requested coaching, such as a manager, a coach will agree with the coachee the best way to keep the third party involved or updated before the coaching assignment begins.