The definition of coaching from the International Coaching Federation is: “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
Consultants and mental health professionals offering related services enhance outcomes when a coaching approach is taken or when coaching is offered. Leaders in the workplace benefit with a coaching approach. Individuals expand their possibilities with coaching.
Ultimately, coaching is a service focused on the client. The quality of the coaching starts with the training of the coach, the Code of Ethics, and their development of the Core Competencies. Then the coaching relationship itself starts with an agreement about the relationship and the roles of both the coach and the client. The coach is responsible for understanding who the client is and how they process and decide. By starting with an agreement, discussing the Code of Ethics and then focusing on understanding the client, the coach and client develop rapport. Through the coaching process, the coach uses effective communication techniques; the coach listens, asks powerful questions, and reflects back what the client is saying. The client is given the space to expand their thinking and develop a strategy. The client chooses their action steps and moves forward toward achieving what they want to achieve.
