Good coaches don’t teach, they help clients to learn and work out their own answers.
Coaches help clients to build on their natural strengths - unlocking their potential to maximise their performance.
Central to coaching is goal clarification then achievement. It is evaluated by the demonstrable change for the client.
Coaching can’t work effectively unless the client is committed to the process and the achievement of goals. Hence the importance of a complimentary preliminary session to determine if the coach and client can work productively.
The coach works via powerful, supportive, non-judgemental questioning. These questions are what stimulate the client to reflect and gain personal insight.
Skilled listening is the foundation of good coaching as it enables the often simple questions that lead to greater understanding and then the most effective actions.
Coaching helps the client with the self-discipline and personal accountability to deliver the action points identified during the coaching session. The coach should then be available between sessions, either by phone or email, if the client requires feedback on action point delivery.
Usually coaching is via 90 -120 minute face-to-face sessions over a period and frequency dependent on the client’s needs/ preferences. Coaching can also be via telephone conversations.
