Frequently confused with other methods of learning and development, for coaching sits on a spectrum between counselling and mentoring. We see coaching has the purpose of creating effective self-support to enable the coachee to take steps towards an end goal and in doing so, create sustained learning and change.
The benefits to an organisation of coaching, as set out by the Institute of Coaching, are that this method of development:
-
Empowers individuals, encouraging them to take responsibility
-
Increases employee engagement
-
Improves individual performance
-
Helps identify and develop high potential employees
-
Helps identify both organisational and individual strengths and development opportunities
-
Helps to motivate and empower individuals to excel
-
Demonstrates organisational commitment to human resource development
Ideally, a coach does the following things in order to bring about improved focus and sustained performance towards goals.
How do they do this? A coach will:
-
Create a safe environment in which people can be fully honest about their goals, the current reality and any obstacles standing in their way.
-
Enable the coachee to evaluate themselves and their goals more clearly, through listening, asking focused questions, reflecting back, challenging and affirming the client
-
Elicit a greater depth of thought and reflection, and more stretch in actions and new behaviors than the coachee would have reached by themself
-
Ensure the client has clarity on their goals and expected outcomes
-
Identify gaps between where the client is and where the client needs or wants to be
-
Facilitate the coachee in developing a robust plan to close the gap, considering potential obstacles
-
Ensure accountability and support to ensure sustained commitment to goals and their outcomes
Not everyone makes a great coach; professional practice, coaching methodologies and relationship management are only a few of the skills required to enter into what often is a very personal and intensive partnership.
As an unregulated industry, my advice is when looking for a coach, consider their qualifications, professional memberships of bodies such as the International Coaching Federation or the European Mentoring and Coaching Council. Ask about coaching supervision and codes of ethics to ensure they are held accountable in their practice and will not compromise on confidentiality.