What is Coaching?

Coaching is a series of purposeful, structured conversations which enable an individual to clarify exactly what they want, and to achieve it faster, more effectively, and with more awareness, than they would be able to do themselves.

Coaching is not advising, training or mentoring; rather, the coach is a facilitator, ensuring the client can move forward. The client decides on their own goals, and the coach is responsible for managing the process to get them there. In doing so, the coach will skilfully listen, question, reflect, and encourage, challenge and support.

The coach is not an expert in the client’s field of work, nor necessarily experienced in the client’s business. The client is an expert in that; and the coach acts to help them better tap into their own knowledge, skills and resources.

Essentially, coaching will not tell you anything you don't already know....it will help you to connect with what you do know, and with what you can do, to allow you to more effectively make change for the better. Working with a coach is a route to being better at being you!

Useful definitions of coaching and how it can be applied are found via the website of the International Coach Federation.