What makes a great coach?

What makes a great coach??It's a question that I hear a lot from our trainees and applicants towards one of our Diplomas, (together with?How will I know that I can coach well? That I have the skills to do this 'properly'?)

There is no right formula or one way how to be a great coach. However, there are a mixture of things that I believe are crucial to allow yourself to really flourish when coaching others. Here is a short overview and you can also read the full article?here.

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1. Build Trust and Real Authenticity

Great coaches are genuine and transparent, which helps build trust with clients. We lead with heart, gut and mind, creating an environment where clients feel safe to share their minds,?somewhat?openly. I say somewhat because we can't push that connection - trust is built over sessions. However if we manage to achieve an amount of trust with our clients from the start they can start leaning in to the coaching process more actively.?

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2. Practice Noticing versus Listening

Listening involves more than just hearing words. It encompasses understanding emotions, body language, and even the silence between words. Holistic listening allows you to fully grasp the client's message and underlying feelings. If you want to become a great coach focus on noticing what's coming up for the client, and in turn for you. Go beyond listening and think/feel - what am I noticing?

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3. Maintain a Client-Centered Focus

Your primary role as a coach is to support the client's needs and goals. This means prioritising their personal and professional growth over your own agenda or biases. This might sound straightforward however it's tricky to do when you think you have an idea that would really help the client (or where you feel you might know best!)

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Exceptional coaches are lifelong learners. Continuously seek new training opportunities, attend workshops, and engage with mentors to keep your skills sharp and relevant.

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5. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence

Being aware of and managing your own emotions, as well as recognizing and influencing the emotions of your clients, is crucial. High emotional intelligence allows you to build stronger relationships and navigate challenging coaching situations with empathy and insight.

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6. Encourage Self-Reflection and Accountability?in the Client

Great coaches inspire clients to reflect on their experiences and hold themselves accountable for their progress. This empowers clients to take ownership of their life. Asking reflective questions like, "What did you learn from this experience?" or "How can you apply this insight moving forward?" encourages clients to think critically about their actions and develop self-awareness.

Read our latest article which explores the Drama Triangle in the context of transformational coaching, highlighting the roles of Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer.

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This article explains how individuals can shift between these roles, often perpetuating cycles of conflict and dependency. The post offers insights into recognising these patterns in coaching relationships and emphasises the importance of fostering awareness and empowerment to break free from limiting dynamics.

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Learn ways that you might be entering the Drama Triangle, how to identify potential triggers and recognise patterns.?

In this episode of Coaching in Focus, host Joseph Grech welcomes Georgia Russell, founder of?Spinach, to explore the transformative power of coaching in modern organisations.

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They discuss the shortcomings of traditional learning methods and why coaching is poised to be the future of impactful learning. Georgia shares insights into the unique challenges faced by learners today, the importance of personalised coaching, and the benefits of democratising coaching across all organisational levels.

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Discover how shorter, focused coaching sessions can drive sustainable personal and professional growth. Tune in to learn how coaching can help develop more resourceful, empowered, and self-aware individuals within your organisation.

I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and as always feel free to get in touch if you're thinking about starting an ICF Coach Training programme.