The Core of Coaching

After many years in the coaching field, I still get the feeling that most people do not have a clear understanding of what coaching discipline is, or what professional coaches really do. Most people have a vague idea of what they think coaching is. They equate it to counseling, maybe involving motivation, or may even think of coaching as a special type of therapy. I wanted to write a short piece to answer the question “What is Coaching really?” Coaching is a discipline that is fairly new, but growing. For example, from the 2020 Global Coaching Study report, complied by the ICF (International Coaching Federation) “ Globally, it is estimated that there were approximately 71,000 coach practitioners in 2019, an increase of 33% on the 2015 estimate.” To set guardrails for this discussion, I want to make clear that I am not defining one niche of coaching, such as Career Coaching (which is where I work), or Wellness Coaching, of even Life Coaching. I want to define coaching in the broadest sense, so potential Clients get a clear, simple explanation of what the coaching discipline is. I want to start by identifying the actors involved.  

ROLES: In the most simple arrangement there are two roles in the coaching relationship. The first role is the “Client”. The second role is the “Coach”. I will define “Client” as an individual that is seeking help. I will define “Coach” as professional that is attempting to provide help. I expect these roles are straight forward, and clear cut. There can be a situation where a third role (third party) can be involved. That is the role of “Sponsor”. This is a situation where a third person, or a business, pays the Coach to work with the Client. This practice is more common than you might think. In fact, my very first Coaching agreement involved a Client, me as coach, and a Sponsor who paid for coaching sessions.  

NATURE OF THE WORK: Typically the Client comes to the Coach with a problem - something they need help with. In the broadest terms, this could mean finding a new job, loosing weight, seeking to improve a relationship, or even developing heal tier habits. Following coaching best practices, the coach will ask probing questions of the Client to clarify, and define the problem, and to address the problem, work with the client to set a goal.  

SET GOAL: Goals are not arbitrary. Goals address the problem, or problems that the Client presents to the Coach. A good Coach will listen to the Client regarding the problem they want to solve, or challenges they are having, and suggest a goal (or goals) that will solve or minimize their problem. Best practice is to get the stated goal(s) on paper so that both Client, and Coach have a clear understanding of the goal. Going back to my previous examples, the goals could be stated as: Lose 10 pounds, Improve relationship in a measure able way, or develop a healthier life style.  

ACTION STEPS: Goals are the desired outcome, but they don’t normally show the Client how to achieve the goal. This is where action steps come in. A good Coach will have the ability to work with the Client to create a high level plan to help the Client achieve their goals. Goals are not achieved magically, the Client needs to take some action. An astute Coach will break the plan down into one or more action steps, and the Client will often be able to provide suggestions as well . It is best practice that the action steps are recorded, and agreed upon by both Client, and Coach, and a deadline set for the next action step.  

ACCOUNTABILITY: A good coach will hold their Client accountable for action steps. In my sessions with Clients, I start out by getting any recent news from the Client, then immediately put any outstanding action steps on the table. I want to know if the Client completed the steps, and if not why. In my practice I don’t use shame - I don’t shame the Client if they did not get their action step(s) completed, but I do want to know why. I want to help them complete their action steps. I work to identify any blocks that got in the way for the Client, and find ways to minimize, or remove them.  

SUPPORT: For most people, the word “coaching” brings to mind a level of support, and encouragement. And indeed, this is an important element of coaching. Where Coaches hear, or sense lack of confidence, they work with Clients to build their confidence, and optimism. In addition to words of support from the Coach, there are other techniques that can lead to improved confidence such as regular affirmations, or listing out personal, or professional accomplishments.

RELATIONSHIP: It is important to understand that the coaching process is not “transactional” - the coaching relationship transcends “transactions”. At its core the Client, and Coach are in a relationship. It is a professional relationship, but non the less a true relationship. The Client needs to trust the Coach as conversations tend to be informal, interpersonal, even intimate. A certified, or licensed coach provides the Client with a promise on confidentiality, and should maintain a track record that they have not disclosed Client information without the Client’s approval.  

SUMMARY: With the above as background, let me try to define Coaching. The ICF, the world’s largest Coaching Professional association defines Coaching as: “Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” In my mind, this comes pretty close to defining “Coaching”. Here is my definition:  "Coaching is a relationship-based process that is undertaken by a Client, and a Coach, the purpose of which is to understand, and capture the Client’s goals, and with the Coach’s support, and guidance, complete action steps to move the Client toward their goals."  As sated earlier Coaching has many niches. There are Life Coaches (the most common type), Wellness Coaches, Spiritual Coaches, Recovery Coaches, Christian Coaches, almost as many niches are there are type of goals and problems. A good resource for seeking out coaches from a variety of niches is noomii.com (I am listed on noomi at https://www.noomii.com/users/brian-kail ). If you are interested in learning more about Career, and Executive Coaching see http://www.ascendprocoach.com/index.html . My personal contact information is listed there. I hope this article has helped the lay person to have a better understanding of what professional coaching is.  

AUTHOR: Brian Kail, MBA, CPC is a Professional Careeer, and Executive Coach.