I get asked this question a lot and if you type it into Google you won’t be short of answers… There’s lots of different types of coaching and lots of coaches who work in their own individual style but at its simplest level here’s my definition:
COACHING IS A CONVERSATION DESIGNED TO HELP YOU FIGURE STUFF OUT & MAKE PROGRESS.
It may sound corny but I’m going to say it anyway…
I associate coaching with a journey of discovery. A journey which gives a person the opportunity to get to know themselves better, gain a deeper understanding of their goals and desires which lets them explore how they can navigate their way forward.
The process is unique for everyone.
- For some it leads to making a revolutionary change which transforms their entire life or a specific area of their life.
- Others decide to make subtle adjustments to enhance their productivity, happiness or fulfilment and the like.
- Many find coaching useful to take stock of their situation and gain personal validation of their intended direction. This validation does not come from the coach approving their decisions but from them having the opportunity to really evaluate their position and gain new found confidence.
What is hopefully common for all is that it is a positive process which helps them look at the bigger picture, gain clarity and a new perspective at the situation at hand.
I talk a lot about ‘conscious decisions’.
By this I mean encouraging (and showing) people how they can take control by becoming self-aware of their behaviour and feelings. This ultimately means being mindful of the decisions they make and understanding why they are making them. Coaching also encourages active thinking – simply put, someone analysing why they are having a particular thought. My role as a Coach is to ask lots of questions to let the ideas, solutions and potential options come to life.
In a nutshell coaching is a brilliant way to help you step back and gain clarity about who you are, what you really want and then devise a plan to help you get it. You do all of this with the support of a trained professional in a safe and confidential space – what’s not to love?
