Why you need a coach (and other Coaching FAQs)
The International Coaching Federation 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.”
If you're reading this, chances are there's something you want to do or a version of yourself you want to be. Whether it's personal or professional, having someone in your corner who can support you can make all the difference. That's where coaching comes in.
Coaching can help you find that balance between doing and being while also helping you leverage your unique capacity to accomplish goals.
But what exactly is coaching?
Simply put, coaching is a process of self-discovery, growth, and transformation facilitated by a trained professional. A coach is not just a sounding board or cheerleader; they are an unbiased voice who can help you see things from a different perspective, challenge your limiting beliefs, and hold you accountable to your goals and dreams.
Coaching is a partnership, a co-designed relationship between a coach and a client, where the coach helps the client clarify their goals, identify obstacles, and develop action plans to reach those goals. It's not about giving advice or solving problems for the client; it's about empowering them to find their solutions and create sustainable change in their lives.
How is coaching different from therapy/mentorship/counseling?
While all of these relationships focus on personal growth and development, there are some key differences.
Counseling and therapy typically focus on addressing and resolving past traumas or psychological issues, while coaching is more future-oriented and goal-driven. Therapy may involve diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, while coaching is not designed for diagnosing or treating mental health disorders. Counseling often involves giving advice, sometimes based on the professional’s personal experiences, whereas coaching does not. Mentorship is usually a one-sided relationship where the mentor provides guidance and advice, while coaching is a collaborative partnership between two individuals.
There are similarities, however, and some coaches may have experience in therapy, mentorship, or counseling. Some of them include leveraging active listening, creating a safe and trusting space, and using effective communication skills. You may have a therapist, mentor, and coach at the same time, depending on your needs and goals. It's essential to understand the differences between these resources to identify what is best for you per time. In some instances, a coach might recommend a therapist if they feel it is necessary for your well-being.
How do you know if coaching is right for you?
Coaching is for anyone ready to make a change in their life, whether it's personal or professional. You may benefit from coaching if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or dissatisfied with your current situation and want to create positive and lasting changes.
Coaching can also be helpful for those going through a major transition in their lives, such as starting a new job or adjusting to an empty nest. Here are a few more scenarios where having a coach can be beneficial:
You find yourself trapped in the monotony of daily tasks and seek to live more intentionally, aligning your actions with your core values for a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
You're facing uncertainty, feeling lost, or have unclear goals and desire a supportive environment to gain clarity through reflective exercises and guided discussions.
Your goals are clear; you're ready to take the next step in any area of your life and need accountability in bridging the gap between aspiration and action.
If challenges like self-doubt, limiting beliefs, or negative self-talk are hindering your growth, and you wish to develop effective response strategies in a safe space.
You're in a season of transition - a new business, a promotion, or just moved to a new county - and want to develop the necessary skills and manage the emotional and practical aspects of change
You aim to build healthier relationships with yourself and others for a harmonious personal and professional environment.
What if you don't have any specific "issue" you need coaching on?
Everyone can benefit from coaching because it goes beyond problem-solving; it is an investment in yourself and your future. It’s also important to note that coaching is not about finding someone to "fix" you.
Each of us is on a journey of growth - towards something we want to do or someone we want to be. If you consider yourself a high-performing individual, a coaching relationship can serve as a catalyst for continuous improvement. You might be interested in scaling your impact, enhancing your interpersonal skills, or exploring new approaches; a coaching relationship can provide a fresh perspective to help you see opportunities and resources you might have overlooked or amplify others you are already benefitting from. More importantly, a coaching relationship might just be what you need to cultivate a growth mindset.
What does a typical coaching session look like?
Each coaching session is tailored to the client's individual needs and goals. However, a typical session usually starts with the coach checking in with the client and reviewing progress from previous sessions. The coach may then ask open-ended questions and drive conversation to help the client explore their thoughts, feelings, and actions related to their goal. Together, they will identify any roadblocks or limiting beliefs that may be hindering progress and create an action plan for moving forward. The session ends with a summary of key takeaways and assignments for the client to work on until the next session.
What should you look for in a coach?
Coaching is not a one-size-fits-all solution; everyone's needs are unique. That's why it's essential to choose a coach who is the right fit for you. A strong connection between the two of you can foster trust, openness, and positive outcomes. Each coach has their unique approach and preferred methods; look for someone who aligns with your needs and preferences. Coaches often offer discovery calls to create an opportunity to test your chemistry; take advantage of this opportunity if it’s available. Here are a couple more things to keep in mind:
Experience & Training: Certifications are not a requirement to be a coach, but could indicate that the coach has undergone specific training, adheres to ethical standards, and is committed to the profession. Experience and training, however, are very important.
Communication Skills: A good coach should have excellent communication skills to support you effectively. In your discovery call, observe how the coach listens, asks questions, and conveys information.
Availability & Accessibility: Consider how accessible the coach is when needed. How frequently will you meet or communicate? Do they offer virtual coaching or only in-person sessions, and are these aligned with your preferences?
Reviews/testimonials: Read reviews or testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of how others have benefited from working with that coach.
My work as a Coach:
As a trained coach, I work primarily with individuals who are at pivotal points in their careers or personal lives. I coach individuals looking to live intentional lives aligned with their values and achieve results as they take on leadership, management, or supervisory roles at work and in their businesses.
My coaching philosophy, shaped by training at the Co-Active Training Institute, is anchored in the belief that every individual is creative, resourceful, and whole, and coaching is an opportunity to foster growth by leveraging inherent strengths and available resources.
Our 1-1 sessions provide a safe and supportive space for my clients as they navigate transitions, tackle challenges, and manage the delicate balance between their personal and professional lives. Our interactions focus on the following outcomes:
Gaining Clarity: I assist individuals who need help unraveling complex issues or thoughts. This process is grounded in open discussions that not only aim at clarifying their thoughts and goals but also enhance their self-awareness.
Co-designing Strategies: I work with clients who have a basic idea of what they want to achieve but require assistance in verbalizing and organizing these thoughts. Together, we develop a structured plan that outlines their next steps and prioritizes their objectives.
Fostering Accountability: Accountability is a critical aspect of my coaching. I conduct monthly sessions with clients who benefit from having someone to ensure they remain committed to and focused on their goals.
Facilitating Learning: An integral part of the coaching relationship is the learning that emerges from reflection. Through coaching, clients discover the profound lessons present in every choice, realizing that every action—or its absence—carries meaningful insights.
Cultivating Self-Awareness: I guide clients through transformative conversations and assessments, helping them unlock deep insights and self-understanding. This active engagement fosters a powerful shift in their perspective, leading to meaningful personal and professional growth.
My Coaching Philosophy:
My coaching philosophy, shaped by my training with the Co-Active Training Institute, is anchored in the belief that every individual is creative and resourceful, and coaching is an opportunity to leverage this inherent potential and foster personal and professional growth. I abide by the ICF Code of Ethics and adhere to the fundamental principles of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism in my coaching practice.
As a coach, I partner with my clients to evoke transformation in their personal and professional lives by guiding them toward deep self-awareness, discovery, learning, and growth. I champion the notion of every individual as a leader, facilitating the recognition of their unique leadership capacities to grow professionally, starting with leading themselves. Ultimately, clients embrace mindsets take purpose-driven actions that align with their values and goals.
In my coaching sessions, I embrace the present with deep curiosity and utilize a 360 approach that engages my clients as multi-faceted individuals, encompassing all aspects of their humanity. I am committed to creating a safe and supportive coaching environment that encourages my clients to let go of limiting beliefs, stories, and assumptions yet challenges them to take bold and meaningful action toward their desired future.
By focusing on the whole person, I believe that individuals can fully express themselves in all aspects of their lives and reach their fullest potential.
