T here are endless definitions of what coaching is. Essentially, coaching is a relationship designed to help you achieve your goals on your terms through powerful conversations that prompt a positive change. This is done in a safe and supportive environment where you are able to explore your thoughts and emotions and express them freely. With coaching, you begin to see things differently. As a result, you show up differently and do things in a way you never used to, creating results that once did not seem possible. Coaching helps you create and live a purpose driven life rather than one by default. You design a life with the awareness of what truly matters, set goals accordingly and take steps in alignment with them.
Coaching conversations are designed to be empowering. Through a series of powerful conversations, coaching explores your vision, goals and the things that are keeping you from achieving the results you want. As you explore your challenges and gain new perspectives, you are able to plot a clear path forward. A trained coach is equipped with deep listening skills to capture what is being said and what is not. They ask reflective questions that challenge your notions and help you uncover your blind spots. The accountability and support that the coaching relationship creates is one of the key reasons why coaching is incredibly effective in creating successful change, fulfillment and a balanced life.
Therapy often focuses on healing and resolving issues from a person’s past experiences that are negatively affecting their current life. There is a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Coaching looks at the here and now and focuses on guiding people forward. It is also more goal oriented in nature.
It is imperative to note that coaching is by no means a replacement for therapy. Each discipline has its own merits and is appropriate in the right circumstances.
Mentoring relationships have a more directive approach as they involve giving guidance and advice, where the mentee draws from the experiences of the mentor. Typically, both are from a similar discipline.
In coaching however this is not necessarily the case. In fact, coaching can be more effective if the coach knows less about your area of focus as this allows them to be curious and less influenced by pre-set ideas.
A coach also never gives advice but instead guides you to explore fresh perspectives and come up with your own solutions.
Consultants are professionals who provide services based on their expertise of a specific area. They present facts, figures, reports and analysis to support the advise the offer. In many cases, consultants even implement changes.
Coaches don’t present you with solutions. Instead, they help you identify your options and will be an advocate for you to accomplish your goals.
Let me begin by saying that you are perfectly capable and wise and have the ability to figure things out. But sometimes, even the most determined and motivated person can get overwhelmed.
Today, the average person has more on their plate than ever – work, family, community service, social networking – leaving us with hardly enough time and energy to focus on our personal goals. There is always something else that needs to be done first.
In coaching, your life is brought to the front and centre. You get a partner who provides unwavering support every step of the way and creates accountability – 2 key components that are missing when you choose to do it yourself.
