Why Is A Good Coaching Definition Important?

The one question I get asked more often is? You guessed it...what is coaching? Thing is, a coaching definition is hard to come by because, believe it or not, there are as many definitions of coaching as there are ice cream flavors!

I've seen many coaching sites that will give you impossibly complex descriptions; or those that have a lot jargon and don't really say anything.

Many times I find coaching described something like this:

"Coaching is not therapy, counseling or psychology. Although the coaching process may have roots in the field of psychology, the actual process should not be mistaken for therapeutic intervention. A coach works with a functional person to get them to become exceptional."

This is a great definition if you're looking for what coaching is not. But if you're like me, I'd rather find out what it is from a definition that I can relate to.

Keep this in mind when you read this next definition:

"This (coaching) process begins with a dialog, having a conversation that goes deeper than just the usual exchange most people have. The client begins to get clear on what they want to do and moves into the deciding phase. This is when the client and coach decide what the goals are and create a plan to achieve them. The client then moves into the action phase, where they begin to take action on their plan."

This is much better. I'll tell you why I like it...

• It opens the dialogue lines, where ideas can be exchanged freely.
• There's an acknowledgment of the coaching relationship being centered on the client.
• It calls for action!

We're getting close; in fact, there's nothing wrong with this definition. Yet what it's describing seems to be what is done in a particular process or coaching model. It doesn't particularly have much Zing! to it either. It's somewhat drab and lacks emotion; I'm looking for inspiration to move forward!

Is there a better definition?

Let's see; although compared to many disciplines, coaching is actually distinct in that it meshes the best of many areas of personal, business and leadership development. An eclectic mix of concepts and methods used in new and exciting ways designed to help you achieve success.

Maybe it's time to step back and take a look at this from another angle.

A Humanistic Coaching Definition

"A Client-centered process that is solution focused and result-oriented, facilitating the enhancement of a Client's capacity to make their own choices and create their own style of life to achieve personal fulfillment."

What happened to the illustration of the process?

Most people aren't looking for a detailed explanation of the how, that's a coach's job and good coaches have many tools to help you along the way. Knowing the frame that underlies the process is important however, it's the BIG picture that should be focused upon and a coach will always keep this in mind for you.

That's what's at the root of coaching. The possibility of growth, success and wellbeing the way you want it; I challenge YOU to get coached for a change! it's well worth it.

Is Coaching For You?

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