FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
“Coaching is the art of facilitating the performance, learning and development of another… (importantly) coaching helps get people unstuck.”
Source: Myles Downey, Effective Modern Coaching, 2002, p.39).
Why is this my preferred definition? While some folk regularly connect with a coach, and see the value of having a confidante, or sounding board, it is more typical that a person reaches out to a coach when they are stuck, or unsure what is the right next step.
Another often-cited definition of coaching is:
“Unlocking people’s potential to maximise their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them…”
Source: John Whitmore, Coaching for Performance, 2009, p.11 (Founder of the GROW model)*
The term “executive coaching” was coined when techniques used in elite sports began to be used in the workplace to boost performance. Below is a widely-accepted definition of executive coaching.
“It is a human development process that involves structured, focussed interaction and the use of appropriate strategies, tools and techniques to promote desirable and sustainable change for the benefit of the coachee and potentially for other stakeholders”
Source: Cox, Bachkirova and Clutterbuck, 2010:1, The Complete Handbook of Coaching
Drawing on a definition by Clutterbuck et al. about the “process of coaching,” I define coaching as follows:
“A process that facilitates self-awareness and can lead to positive cognitive and behavioural change in relation to one’s contribution at work and / or at home. This is done by facilitating the coachee to explore some, or all the following:
- identify personal strengths and personal values
- challenge their beliefs and assumptions about themselves, others and life-as-is (e.g. beliefs that may be causing a person to be “stuck” in some part of their life).
- identify and achieve goals that are in line with their values”.
Why are values critical? When the desired goal or behavioural change is aligned with the individual’s values, empirical research suggests that this makes:
- the changes easier to sustain.
- the benefit of achieving the goal more impactful in terms of enhancing the individual’s well-being.
This article defines values, explores their importance and links to free tools that can help you identify your own values.
Note on coaching ethics: A good coach will be accredited to an international coaching accreditation body, eg. EMCC, ICF. This ensures that the coach works in an ethical and well-informed way.
*The GROW coaching model by Whitmore is as follows: et a Goal, explore Reality, Explore Options and find a Way or Will forward.
Have a Question?
Please fill out this Calendly form – this allows you to book a free 15 minute call.