What is coaching?

I am often asked (normally by my friends). So, what is coaching? Do you tell people what they should do? I say no, I help people think...  

So, I wanted to write a short post on what coaching is and how we can all benefit from having a coach, whether that be for leadership, life, business, or performance.  

The aim of all coaching is to support individuals in reaching their future goals and maximizing their potential in different areas of their lives.  

Leadership and executive coaching works on developing the leadership skills and abilities of individuals in various roles, such as executives, managers, team leaders, and emerging leaders. It helps leaders enhance their self-awareness, communication skills, decision-making abilities, emotional intelligence, and other qualities necessary for effective leadership. 

Life coaching is a type of coaching that assists individuals in clarifying their goals, overcoming obstacles, and creating action plans to achieve their desired outcomes in personal and professional life. Life coaches help clients explore their values, strengths, passions, and priorities, guiding them in making positive changes and living more fulfilling lives. 

Performance coaching is focused on enhancing an individual's performance in a specific area, such as career, academics, or creative pursuits. Performance coaches help clients set clear objectives, identify areas for improvement, develop strategies for skill development, manage performance-related challenges, and maintain motivation and focus to achieve desired results. 

“Coaching is unlocking a person's potential to maximise their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.” Sir John Whitmore. (Pioneer of executive coaching)  

Here is a link to a short video on What Executive Coaching is all about.  

Now let us look at the benefits of having a Coach: 

Coaches help people gain clarity about their values, strengths, aspirations, and goals, allowing them to articulate what they genuinely want in life or their career. 

Coaches provide accountability and support to help individuals stay committed to their goals, overcome procrastination, and take consistent action towards achieving them. 

Coaches offer objective and supportive feedback, insights, and alternative perspectives, helping individuals identify blind spots, challenge limiting beliefs, explore new options and possibilities. 

Coaches provide guidance and resources to help individuals develop specific skills, strategies, and behaviors necessary for success in their chosen endeavors. 

Coaches empower individuals to take ownership of their lives, make informed decisions, and build self-confidence in their abilities to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. 

Coaches support individuals in exploring personal growth opportunities, improving relationships, managing stress, enhancing resilience, and developing overall well-being. 

Having a coach can be extremely beneficial for anyone seeking personal or professional development and improvement, it provides valuable support, guidance, and accountability.  

Here is a link to Why Everyone Needs a Coach - Inspiring TED Talk