What is Life Coaching?
What Coaching is...
Transformational – Coaching is a profound experience that will not simply aid in solving problems/challenges and accomplishing goals, but rather transform the approach a client takes with any future challenges and goals leaving them living a much more empowered and impactful life.
Empowering – The alliance or partnership created in the coaching relationship creates a non-judgmental, safe, and courageous place for a client to expand, grow, and explore. This leads to incredible empowerment and excitement creating an amazing drive to go after the things that may have once been thought of as impossible or too difficult to achieve.
Goal-Oriented – Coaching helps clients to uncover and clarify personal or professional goals helping make them achievable while also challenging the client to stretch and grow. A good coach will also make sure to hold a client accountable for the actions and commitments they agree to in order to reach their goals while challenging them all along the way.
Transparent – The coach will be completely transparent about the undertones of the conversation and/or the relationship and ‘call-out’ anything that may be ‘danced around.’ This transparency is key in the coaching relationship. Without it, a client could simply be having a conversation with a friend who will likely allow the client to continue to dance around the subjects or sore spots that the client really does want to address but is showing resistance.
Direct/Interruptive – It is very easy to get caught up in the details of a situation or story however a good coach will interrupt a client’s story when it is not serving the client; not getting to the root of the matter. They will hold true to the client’s agenda, even when the client is not.
Supportive – Coaching is individual, personal support unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. The attention to a client’s specific needs/agenda is all that matters to a coach, which results in empowerment and transformation.
Action-Oriented – Yes, a client can expect homework from a coach but it is the type of homework that results in meeting goals or creating the self-awareness that the individual client is seeking. Examples can include: journaling, creating lists, a challenge, a thought to ponder, a perspective to hold, etc.
Fulfilling - Coaching aids in designing a life that truly aligns with who you are, which leads to the experience of an incredibly fulfilling life. This experience cannot be fully communicated or described in words.
Coaching is "a partnership with clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The ideal coaching relationship honors the client as the expert in his/her life and work and believes that every client is creative, resourceful and whole." ~ The International Coach Federation
Coaching is incredible, personal support unlike anything you've ever experienced. It is a partnership that focuses solely on the client's needs, which creates courageous and empowered personal and professional growth, self-awareness, and rapid achievement of goals leading to a very fulfilled and happy life as defined by the client." ~ Laura Menze, LifeQuest Alliance, Inc.
What coaching isn't...
Coaching is not
Consulting – A consultant is an expert hired to advise and provide recommendations or to complete specific work or research. A coach helps to identify goals and challenges and works with a client to help them overcome their challenges and meet or exceed his/her goals faster than they would on their own. A coach helps clients to develop their skills rather than rely on theirs.
Therapy/Counseling – Therapy helps people deal with their past, to understand what happened to them or why they do what they do. Therapy helps heal old wounds. Coaching does not look at the past rather it propels people forward toward the life they want to create.
Mentoring/Training – A mentor is an advisor or teacher that has knowledge, experience or skills to share with a mentee. A coach does not advise or recommend rather they help a client draw out their own skills, strengths, abilities and capabilities through intense listening, questioning and challenging in a non-judgemental approach.
It is important to note that there are many coaches out there who offer a combination of these services. It is a good idea to distinguish what services they offer while also determining your own needs before hiring a coach.
Coaching Myths
Myth #1 – I can coach myself or talk to my best friend
- Fact: It is very difficult to create the accountability you have with a coach in a friendship or with yourself. A friend will have their own personal agenda for you and you will likely let yourself get away with not accomplishing some of the things you set out to do.
Myth #2 – A coach can be like a nagging mother
- Fact: A coach will only hold you accountable in the exact way in which you prescribe. For example, if you want them to follow-up with you on your goals once a month, then they will do just that…there is no judgment involved.
Myth #3 – I need to get myself organized or have my ducks in a row before I hire a coach.
- Fact: That’s the perfect time to hire a coach…when you feel disorganized or a bit lost. A coach can help you get organized, figure out your priorities, and get focused on a direction that suits you faster and with better results than when working on these things on your own.
Myth #4 – Coaching is too expensive.
- Fact: There are coaches in all ranges to fit any income. If the coach you have selected is out of your price range, ask for a referral to one that is a better financial fit. Just remember the value of hiring a coach that fits your style and needs as well as the level of experience that coach brings to the table.
Myth #5 – Coaching is just like training.
- Fact: Training focuses on teaching; coaching focuses on bringing forth your own, personal wisdom.
Myth #6 – Coaching is too “out there” for me.
- Fact: Coaches come in all styles and use a variety of approaches including very mainstream approaches. The key is finding a coach that suits you.
Myth #7 – Coaching needs to be face-to-face.
- Fact: Everyone has their own, personal preference for communication. E-mail, texting, Skype, or phone…coaching is very effective over many different mediums as well as face-to-face. Each has pros and cons. It is simply a matter of choosing something that is conducive to your needs and/or lifestyle.
Myth #8 – Working with a coach takes too much of a time commitment.
- Fact: You choose the time commitment that is best for you. A coach can also help with time management so that you can create the time necessary to focus on yourself.
What are the benefits of working with a coach?
There are many reasons people hire a coach, but the experience usually results in:
- Increased self-confidence
- Increased self- awareness
- Empowerment
- Improved goal setting and achievement
- Better decision-making skills
- Enhanced interpersonal effectiveness
- Improved productivity
- Reduced stress
- More balanced life
- More fulfilling/satisfying life
- Improved relationships at home and work
- Inspiring others rather than seeking out others to inspire you
"People who engage in a coaching partnership can expect to experience fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills, enhanced interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles." "Consistent with a commitment to enhancing their personal effectiveness, they can also expect to see appreciable results in the areas of productivity, personal satisfaction with life and work, and the achievement of personally relevant goals." ~The International Coaching Federation