What is coaching?

When people hear that I’m a coach, they often ask “what exactly is coaching?" It’s a good question and one that can be tough to answer.??

Let’s start with what it’s not. Coaching isn’t therapy.?Therapy tends to look at the past to see how our experiences and environments shaped us. Coaching focuses on the present and future. While there may be some big insights gained through coaching that are connected to the past, good coaches don’t spend time digging in the past. Therapy alleviates symptoms and can treat mental illnesses. Coaching focuses on strengths and possibilities.

Coaching isn’t consulting. A consultant is hired to give expert advice.?Businesses hire a consultant to solve a problem or advise a group on a project.?Consultants are expected to have solutions. Coaching assumes that the client is the expert and that through a process, they will discover their own solutions. A successful coaching experience provides the place to explore possibilities, discover limiting beliefs and be challenged to think and act more boldly.?An effective coach doesn’t offer answers and instead, engages in thought-provoking conversations. Clients are supported and encouraged in ways that maximize their potential, accelerate progress and create extraordinary results. Powerful coaches say things to clients that no one else in their life is willing to say to them –but things they need to hear. Great coaches aren’t afraid to have tough conversations and make life-changing observations.

Some of the descriptions I’ve heard over the years about coaching are that:

-??????It is the most powerful force on earth

-??????It helps people become the best version of themselves

-??????It helps people go from great to extraordinary?

-??????It reminds people just how powerful they are

-??????It helps people get to where they want to be in less time

-??????It reduces human suffering

It can be argued that everyone needs coaching.?Olympic athletes, world class entertainers, CEO's and all kinds of high performers have coaches help them to be the best they can be.

Bill Gates has said: "Everyone needs a coach. We all need people that give us feedback. That’s how we improve."?Oprah Winfrey has talked openly about using a coach to stop the mind chatter that “tells you all the time that you’re not good enough.”?Actors including Leonardo DiCaprio and Hugh Jackman have acknowledged that hiring life coaches greatly impacted their trajectories.

When I work with business owners, much of the coaching can be broken down into 5 categories:

·?????Clarifying your vision and direction

·?????Strategizing your actions

·?????Upgrading your skills

·?????Optimizing your environment (including physical, emotional and people environments)

·?????Mastering your mindset and psychology

Imagine having an hour of the week that is solely dedicated to focusing on the highest vision you have for your life – and talking through the challenges that could slow you down or stop you in your tracks. Imagine a coach reflecting back to you ways that your leadership style might be getting in the way of business. Imagine having a coach who thinks your biggest goals might just be too small. Imagine being able to talk about your biggest fears and wildest dreams and being met with zero judgement.

Curious about whether coaching might be for you? I’d love to have a conversation with you and hear what you’re excited about creating in your life and/or business.