What is coaching?

Most helping models are top-down models of impartation of what I call “telling models.” These all have their place in the total development of a person, but coaching is unique in that it uses questions, listening, goal setting and accountability to help people discover what they need to do, how they need to change and the best way to design action steps to help them reach their goals.

·  Counseling is therapeutic, expert-based model that helps a person uncover and heal past wounds.

·  Mentoring is an expert-based model where someone imparts to another person what they have learned or experienced.  Mentoring is “pouring in.”  Coaching is “pulling out.”

·  Consulting is an expert imparting knowledge and advice to a person or organization.

·  Advising is one person telling another person what they think they should do.

All of these models are top-down, impartation models, but impartation alone does not lead to transformation.  Sustained transformation comes about when a person, through a process of discovery, is internally motivated to change.  And motivation, contrary to popular belief, comes from within not externally.  We cannot truly motivate another person, but we can create an environment where they decide to step into a personal discovery process, not because they are being forced externally.

What important transformational elements does the coaching model provide?

·  A support system to sustain energy and motivation long enough for new habits to be formed.

·  A methodology for personal growth that compliments the best research on how people change.

·  Positive accountability that focuses on celebration, as opposed to shame-based accountability models.

·  A confidential, action-orientated relationship that keeps personal responsibility where it belongs.

·  Coaching treats others like adults by empowering them to define and achieve personal goals in areas that are important to them and to take responsibility for their own lives.