What is Coaching?

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What is Coaching?

Have you ever wondered what coaching really is? Maybe you’ve heard the term tossed around in business meetings or seen it on social media. But what does it actually mean? Let's dive in and explore together what coaching really is.

Understanding Coaching

Coaching is a dynamic and interactive process aimed at helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals. It’s about unlocking potential, enhancing performance, and driving growth. The word 'coach' originated from the Hungarian word 'korci' - horse-drawn wagon. It means a carriage transports you from one destination to a new destination. Think of it as having a personal guide who supports you in navigating your journey to success.

The History of Coaching

Coaching has started way back since 1885 in the sports arena. Athletes were trained, guided, encouraged, and given feedback to improve their performance. Later in 1976, Timothy Gallwey, a tennis captain turned coach, introduced the inner game concept of sports coaching to corporate leaders and managers. Since then, professional coaching (executive coaching) is introduced in the corporate world for its remarkable success in human development and performance improvement.

Find out why sports coaching and professional coaching are different.

After years of studying and working with Timothy Gallwey, the late Sir John Withmore and Bob Kriegel worked together and introduced the more refined coaching approach and process to organisations.

In 1992, Sir John Withmore published a book called 'Coaching for Performance' and introduced the G.R.O.W. coaching model which become a favourite performance improvement tool for managers and even coaches globally. For a long time, Sir John is regarded as the pioneer of coaching in the workplace. His works and contributions were well recognized by the coaching community. In 2007, he was honoured with the President's Award by International Coaching Federation (ICF). He is considered one of the leading figures in the international coaching community.

ICF was founded in 1995. The body is a leading global organization advocating high standards of professional coaching and a code of ethics. All the members are well-trained, qualified coaches. In January 2022, ICF has recorded more than 50,000 members in 150 countries; by far the largest non-profit organisation of professional coaching in the world.

The Core of Coaching

At its heart, coaching is a partnership between the coach and the coachee (that's you!). It’s built on trust, mutual respect, and a commitment to the process. Unlike mentoring, which involves sharing wisdom and advice based on experience, coaching is about asking powerful questions, actively listening, and helping you find your own solutions. Curious about the difference between coaching and mentoring? Check out our detailed comparison guide.

The Coaching Process

The coaching process typically involves several stages:

1
Assessment: Identifying where you are now and where you want to be.
2
Goal Setting: Defining clear, achievable goals.
3
Action Planning: Developing a step-by-step plan to reach those goals.
4
Implementation: Taking action with the support and accountability of your coach.
5
Evaluation: Reviewing progress and making adjustments as needed.

This structured approach ensures that you stay focused and motivated throughout your journey.

Benefits of Coaching

How much organisations and public are aware of coaching?

The recent report of the ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study 2017 with a sample size of 27,134 respondents across 30 countries revealed that:

66% of all respondents indicated that they were very or somewhat aware of the field of Professional, Business, and/or Life Coaching; compared to 58% awareness in 2014 and 51% awareness back in 2010.
Millennials (1983 - 1996) showed the highest awareness of coaching, with 73% indicating that they were very or somewhat aware; followed by Generation X (1965 - 1982) with 69% indicating that they were very or somewhat aware of coaching; compared to Generation Z (1997 - present) with 63% indication for the same level of coaching awareness.
The top three motivations for seeking coaching were optimizing individual / team work performance, improving communication skills, and increasing productivity.

For a deep dive into the information, check out the report here.

Why should you consider coaching? Here are some of the key benefits:

Clarity and Focus: Coaching helps you gain a clear understanding of your goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
Accountability: Your coach keeps you accountable, ensuring you stay on track.
Personal Growth: Coaching fosters self-awareness and personal development.
Enhanced Performance: By working on specific areas, you can improve your skills and performance.

Types of Coaching

Coaching comes in many forms, each tailored to different needs:

Life Coaching: Focuses on personal goals, such as improving relationships or achieving work-life balance.
Career Coaching: Helps with career transitions, job search strategies, and professional development.
Executive Coaching: Designed for leaders and executives, it aims to enhance leadership skills and organisational performance.
Business Coaching: Assists entrepreneurs and business owners in growing their businesses and overcoming challenges.

If you’re interested in exploring coaching, visit our coaching program page.

Is Coaching Right for You?

Anyone looking to make positive changes and achieve their goals can benefit from coaching. Whether you’re aiming for career advancement, personal growth, or improved performance, coaching provides the support and guidance you need.

How to Get Started

Ready to embark on your coaching journey? Here are some steps to get you started:

1
Research: Learn about different coaches and their approaches.
2
Reach Out: Contact potential coaches to discuss your goals and see if you’re a good fit.
3
Commit: Once you’ve chosen a coach, commit to the process and stay open to learning and growth.

Need help choosing the right coach? Get connected to Simon and make an informed decision.

Final Thoughts

Coaching is a powerful tool for achieving your goals and realizing your potential. It’s about more than just reaching the finish line; it’s about enjoying the journey and growing along the way. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to support you.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us here.

About the Author

Simon is the ICF-Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Trainer, Facilitator, Coach Trainer, and Food Service Specialist. He specialises in business selling, leadership development, and coaching culture building.