“I know what therapy is. Done plenty of that!” Leah told me recently. “And I’ve been lucky to have some great mentors over the years. But what is coaching, exactly? I feel like it’s something different. And maybe something I could really benefit from giving it a try!”
If you’re new to the concept of coaching, it can be challenging to understand exactly what it is, and how it is different from therapy, mentoring, consulting, or training.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
As you read the ICF definition of coaching, what are the key terms that stand out for you in this definition?
Key Differences
Professional and personal development modalities exist along a continuum. Some are more directive and advice-driven while others are more inquiry-based and focused on client-driven discovery. At one end of the continuum, the methods tend to be more top-down with greater power difference. At the other end, the methods are more collaborative. Coaching focuses on a partnership model in which the client sets the goals, intentions, and measurements for success guided by the coaching process.
Managing involves giving direct instructions and oversight.
Training focuses on teaching the best ways to solve problems.
Consulting provides expert advice to guide decision making.
Therapy offers supportive services for emotional and mental health.
Mentoring shares expertise, provides wisdom, and offers guidance.
Coaching emphasizes client-directed discovery and growth with an emphasis on action.
As you read through those different modalities, what do you find energizing about the coaching approach?
The Coaching Process
As a coach, I understand that you are the expert on you. My expertise is in the coaching process. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space and partner with you to identify what you most wish to accomplish and address; discover and explore your options, beliefs, values, perspectives, and learnings; strategize an action plan to bridge the gap from today to your future goals; clear the way to address any obstacles to your action plan; and create clarity that energizes forward action with realistic expectations.
What do you want or need more or less of in your personal or professional life? Why is that important to you right now?
Explore Coaching
If this sounds like something you’d like to try, I invite you to schedule a free Explore Coaching conversation with me. During this 30 to 45-minute conversation via Zoom, you can get a sense of what it would be like to experience coaching with me. I’ll ask you to share a bit about what brings you to coaching, what are you hoping to experience or gain through this process, and what goals you have in mind. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions about me, my coaching approach, or about coaching in general. This initial conversation is a time of mutual discernment as together we explore if we might be a good fit for this creative and dynamic work.
Take a step right now to invest in yourself. Fill out the form below to schedule your Explore Coaching conversation with me.
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