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What is Coaching?

The international Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as, “… partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

Coaching helps clients to define and take action toward the realisation of their vision, goals or desires.”

I however like the definition provided by Jenny Rogers, she says coaching “is the art of facilitating another person’s learning, development, well-being and performance. A Coach raises self-awareness and identifies choices. Through coaching, people are able to find their own solutions, develop their own skills, and changes their own attitudes and behaviours. The whole aim of coaching is to close the gap between people’s potential and their current state”.

Both definitions are based on six very important principles, and they are:

1. The client is resourceful
2. The coach’s role is to develop the client’s resourcefulness through skilful questioning, challenge and support
3. Coaching addresses the whole person, past – present – future
4. The client sets the agenda
5. The coach and the client are equals
6. Coaching is about change and action

The Coach is not a:

• Psychiatrist
• Psychotherapist
• Clinical (or any other) Psychologist
• Counsellor
• Mentor
• Consultant
• Trainer

A key precept of coaching is a deep belief that the client is resourceful, he/ she can make their own choices, and they are responsible for themselves. What stems from the belief are the fundamental principles of choice and responsibility.