Here are some ways to describe Coaching, and the power it provides:

As a basic description, The International Coach Federation (ICF) explains coaching as creating  a thought-provoking atmosphere, encouraging clients to be creative in their processing.  This inspires them to maximize their potential in substantial areas of their life.

Coaching helps people who want to get unstuck to believe in themselves, increase their picture of the future, dream out loud, consider their potential, grow their skills, accept and adjust to transitions, and take the next steps necessary.

Coaching uses active listening, asking powerful questions, encouraging their clients to discover their goals, offering encouragement, and providing accountability in order for the client to reach their desired destiny.

Coaches are professionals who are trained in the skills that are necessary to move a client through the process of change. While they may not be considered therapists, they are trained in a specific way with purposeful skills that defines them as a proven expert of success in a given area.

In Christian Coaching: Helping Others Turn Potential into Reality, Gary Collin’s summarized description of coaching is working with a person or group to move them in the direction that aligns with what God wants them to be.

Now that we’ve defined Coaching, let’s talk about WHY people come for coaching:

Individuals come for coaching for various reasons. Some are stuck in an area of their lives and have not been able to make needed changes. Others are at a point of crisis where a change has to be made in order for life to continue with some normalcy. Still others desire personal growth and development. A few may even want coaching because they are curious about it.  The reasons individuals come for coaching vary, however coaches must be skilled in determining the correct timing, knowing when to refer, and being equipped with the proper resources that are necessary at a given time.

Timing

Timing is everything. The precise point an individual enters the coaching process can determine success or failure. The person’s readiness factor is crucial. Change does not, and in fact cannot, occur until the individual is ready. However, skillful coaching can move an individual toward change once he or she has determined the need for change.

Referral

Coaching may not be the answer for a particular client. The coach needs to be able to discern when professional counseling is needed or when some other form of assistance is appropriate. For example, coaching may be appropriate down the line, but if a client is clinically depressed or a marriage is on the edge of collapse, counseling is essential at the moment. The coach should never be reluctant to refer to a competent physician, therapist, or another professional.

Resources

It is essential that the coach develop the necessary resources and tools to assist the client in reaching his or her goals. The coach needs to develop his/her own coaching skills, be well read, pursue continuing education, have the ability to network, etc.

Coaching is becoming more and more respected as a professional, purposeful and powerful way to promote self awareness and allow the client to determine what their life would look like if they would identify goals, recognize their reality, be open to opportunities to make necessary changes, and overcome the conflicts holding them back.  The coach provides the questions that allow the client to determine what steps need to be taken to move their current reality into a goal being accomplished. The challenging factor is often determined by the client’s level of willingness to take these steps.  Coaching encourages and empowers clients to do just that.