COACHING -
WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
faq
"Coaching is a partnership-based, thought-provoking and creative process with the client that inspires them to maximise their individual and professional potential"
ICF, International Coaching Federation
Coaching is a dialogue between the coach and the client. The coach actively listens and asks questions to help the client identify limiting beliefs or behaviors that may be hindering progress.
The client is encouraged to act in a way that helps them to find the solutions they need to achieve their goals and bring about change.
Coaching operates on the principle of accountability: the client is accountable for the results and the drive to accomplish them, while the coach is accountable for guiding the process.
- Understanding what you really want;
- A clear vision of the end result;
- An extended view of the real situation from several different angles;
- Setting ambitious goals and knowing how to achieve them;
- Awareness of self-limiting beliefs and knowing how to overcome them;
- Developing an action plan;
- Motivation to act.
Mentoring is often compared to coaching, but the key difference lies in the mentor's expertise in a specific field. The mentor guides the individual to learn and grow at a faster pace than they could achieve independently, drawing from personal experience.
In coaching, the coach does not give advice or share their opinion on how the client's issue should be handled.
The coach is a guide to the person's own answers.
- For those who believe that a coach has all the answers;
- For those who believe that a conversation is enough to get results;
- For those who think of coaching as psychotherapy, counselling or training.
The coaching process is built on collaboration, achievable only through mutual trust. When selecting a thinking partner, consider the following aspects:
- Consider your present circumstances, challenges, and objectives. Understanding your desired outcomes will facilitate the selection of a suitable professional aligned with their specific expertise. Coaches specialize in particular areas (coaching niches) where they are more adept at assisting you in developing a precise set of actions and tactics to attain your goals.
- Speak with several coaches. Peer-to-peer communication is a key aspect of coaching, so find someone you feel comfortable with as you work towards growth. Many coaches offer a free initial session to discuss their approach, methods, and build a relationship. Inquire about their experience, skills, and qualifications.
- Ensure the coach's credibility by checking their qualifications:
- ICF accreditation at ACC, PCC, or MCC level;
- completion of a Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 training program (from 2023 onwards) or an ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Program)) or ACSTH (Approved Coaching Specific Training Hourprogram with a certificate. - Notice the professionalism of the coach and their adherence to the ethics and standards set by the International Coaching Federation. ethics and competence norms;
- Check the references of the available coaching specialist.
If you resonate with the philosophy, professionalism, experience, manner of speaking, and worldview of the coach, you are likely to feel more relaxed, open, and confident during the coaching session under the coach's guidance and expertise.