Coaching is a structured process in which open-ended questions, assessments, and active listening are used to assist clients in setting goals, creating tailored action plans, and utilizing resources and accountability to facilitate growth and new learning.
According to the Global Coaching Client Study by the International Coaching Foundation, the majority of coaching clients reported experiencing improved work performance, more efficient time management, increased team effectiveness, improved communication skills, increased self-confidence, better work-life balance, and improvement in wellness. Additionally, 86% of companies who hired coaches reported making their investment back, with 47% of companies seeing a 10 to 50-fold return on their investment.
The coaching relationship is egalitarian in nature. Coaches are thought partners who help clients move forward to achieve their goals.
Therapists, consultants, and mentors typically operate in an expert role. Therapists diagnose and treat mental health conditions and help address family/relationship problems. Consultants use their expertise to provide recommendations and advice to help solve a client's problem. Mentors share their personal experience relevant to a mentee's current/desired career path or leadership role.
Coaches focus on the present and future. They build upon a client's strengths and what is already working to identify possibilities and overcome obstacles to achieve goals. Therapists, consultants, and mentors are more past/present and problem-focused. Therapists help clients process past trauma and alleviate emotional pain. Consultants and mentors provide advice on how to solve problems and handle career challenges.
The client is responsible for attending and being fully present in meetings, identifying potential goals and agenda items, following through on and communicating progress with regard to action steps taken outside of coaching meetings, and providing feedback on the coaching process.
The coach’s responsibilities are to be present with the client, engage in active listening, ask powerful questions, help clients think deeper/differently, serve as an accountability partner, provide feedback, and uphold ethical standards.
you are interested in pursuing professional/personal development to maximize your potential
you are open to candid self-assessment and receiving and providing feedback
you are open to new learning and growth
you are willing to set and pursue challenging “stretch goals” that take you outside of your comfort zone
you are willing to focus on things within your control and take responsibility for your decisions, actions, and results
you are willing and able to commit the time and energy required to make progress on the coaching agenda/goals