FAQ: Coaching

Coaching has become popular due to its proven effectiveness, especially in contrast to the frequent failure of traditional training to produce significant behavior change. Coaching focuses on the importance of “growing” people in response to increased pressures and demands of the world and workplace.

Coaching is a forward-looking process, focused on personal fulfillment and improved effectiveness. Counseling focuses on understanding and changing the emotional and psychological roots of behavioral issues. Consulting is an “expert-driven” modality, focused on implementing solutions that solve business problems. Depending on the needs of a particular situation, each form of support has its place and value.

Performance coaching is directed at increasing individual capacity to achieve organizational outcomes and metrics. Developmental coaching seeks to develop the whole person, and is less concerned with reaching specific goals than building lifelong competencies that, of course, subsequently contribute to business success.

Although coaching is a relatively new field, emerging research is documenting a clear causal connection between coaching, changed behaviors and subsequent business results. Meanwhile, anecdotal evidence overwhelmingly supports the effectiveness of professional coaching. Follow the links to access some of this research.

Coaching is currently not regulated. It’s important to ask tough questions and thoroughly check references and professional credentials before committing to work with someone.

A coach’s effectiveness is based on the ability to establish rapport, challenge your thinking, and provide useful guidance and support. The best indicators of effectiveness come from the coach’s former clients. Read How to Choose a Coach for more suggestions.

Aside from the thoughtful selection of your coach, success is highly dependent on your motivation and willingness to engage the process. Successful coaching marries a genuine desire to change and grow with a coach’s ability to provide a balance of challenge and support.

Good coaching is highly tailored to you. A professional coach will work to define specific and observable outcomes to guide and validate your progress. Holding these outcomes in mind, the “curriculum” is then developed to your specific challenges. What’s required of you is a commitment to engage in the process with reasonable diligence and follow-through.

First, assess your readiness. Then utilize the specific suggestions here to check out several possible coaches, make a selection, and get started.