In the previous blog post, the International Coaching Federation definition of coaching and their table explaining evaluation of coaching, highlights that coaching is different than advising or mentoring. Very specifically, it is the role of the coach to listen and to ask powerful questions. More than what most consider listening and asking questions, Coaching requires developing and enhancing these and other skills. There are Core Competencies in four categories for coaching:
Setting the Foundation
1) Ethical guidelines
2) Coaching agreement
Co-Creating the Relationship
3) Trust and intimacy
4) Coaching presence
Communicating Effectively
5) Active listening
6) Powerful questioning
7) Direct communication
Facilitating Learning and Results
8) Creating awareness
9) Designing actions
10) Planning and goal setting
11) Accountability
What does this mean? Coaching starts with a coach knowing and following the ethical guidelines. This requires understanding specifically the coaching Code of Ethics because it is different than other codes of ethics in significant areas. Then the coach establishes a coaching agreement with their client by discussing the roles, relationship, ethics, and process then signing an agreement with the client. Establishing trust and intimacy includes the coach providing a safe space for the client to talk openly. Being present means being in the moment with the client and flexing to them. Effective communication is essential and includes listening, asking powerful questions, and clear, direct language. During coaching sessions, the coach empowers the client by creating awareness, having them design their actions, empowering, planning and goal setting, and serving as an accountability partner.
In coaching, the client truly is their own best expert and it is the coach’s responsibility to elicit the answers from the client.
