Coaching is offering clients an opportunity to shine a light on old beliefs, assessments and positions in order to open up new possibilities and encourage positive change. Most coaching approaches involve helping clients determine their current level of leadership development, their desired outcomes and the creation of a plan to achieve the desired outcomes. Through the use of powerful questions, self-observation exercises, behavioral practices, assessment instruments and observations, clients increase their self-awareness, uncover negative thought habits, and set the stage for long-term change.
What is the difference between coaching, counseling and consulting?
In coaching, the goal of the client is development and growth; in counseling it is healing. A coach approaches the coaching relationship with the mindset that the client is whole and healthy; there is nothing that needs fixing. Coaches do not give advice or solve problems; that is within the realm of consulting. Coaching starts at the client’s current level of development and moves him/her to the desired level of development. Counseling focuses on the past and helps answer “why” questions such as, “Why do you behave this way?” and “Why did you develop this way of thinking?”. Coaching focuses on “what” questions such as, “What do you want to accomplish?” and “What will be required to be successful?”
How does coaching work?
Clients will be asked to identify their specific goals and desired outcomes, explore thought habits that may be holding them back and commit to behavioral changes. Coaches assist clients in meeting their goals and desired outcomes by active listening, asking powerful questions, challenging client assessments and assumptions, making observations, and by suggesting self-observation exercises and behavioral practices.
How do coaches and clients meet?
Coaching may take place either in person or over the telephone. Typically, sessions will last 75 to 90 minutes and take place every two to three weeks. The length of a coaching engagement is determined by the number of sessions clients believe they will require to successfully meet their goals, but initially most coaching relationships will cover 3-6 months.
What about confidentiality?
A coach will not divulge the identity of a client or the content of coaching sessions without the client’s express written consent. The main exception to confidentiality is in the case of threats to self and/or others (International Coach Federation ethical guidelines, www.coachfederation.org)