What Is Coaching?

Coaching is a supportive relationship with a trained professional that enhances your ability to learn, make desired changes, solve problems, and achieve goals. Coaches work with their clients individually or in groups, face-to-face or by telephone, typically in a series of regularly scheduled sessions.

Coaching differs from consulting, teaching, or therapy because it is not focused on giving advice, delivering curriculum, or healing dysfunction. The focus of coaching is on guiding you to find your own unique answers. Coaches won't tell you what to do or what you need to learn. A coach will support you in strategizing solutions, choosing the right direction, building your personal skills, and raising your awareness. Coaching doesn't spend time in the past; it concentrates on where you are today and how to get where you want to be tomorrow.

Coaching relationships are jointly designed by the client and the coach. In coaching sessions, the client typically chooses the topic of conversation, while the coach listens, contributes observations or new ideas, and asks thought-provoking questions. This focused interaction creates clarity, builds accountability, moves the client into action, and keeps the client on track. Coaching enhances the natural creativity and resourcefulness you already have within you, so you achieve success at an accelerated rate.

People typically hire a coach when they:

• Determine that their goals and dreams are not being achieved by their current methods
• Have the willingness to be challenged, supported, and called forth to approach things differently
• Decide they are willing to do what it takes to create change in their lives

Finding a Coach

To choose a coach, first determine what you want to accomplish. Most coaches specialize in a particular kind of coaching. Many coaches work by telephone, so the coach's location may not matter. When you interview a coach, ask about his or her background and the type of results he or she typically helps clients achieve. The personal fit between client and coach is an important factor. In your initial conversation, assess not only the coach's ability to assist you in reaching your goals but how comfortable you feel interacting with him or her. Some coaches also offer complimentary coaching sessions for prospective clients so you can experience what it would be like to work with them.