Why Are There So Many Coaching Models?

A recent study indicates that coaching is growing at a whopping 18% per year just in the United States alone; worldwide, there are still no accurate estimates of how many coaches there are.

As a distinct area of practice and study, coaching remains quite young; the good news is that its evolution, growth and change is parallel to the demands of today's complex world.

Differences in coaching models arise because of the nature of coaching itself; drawing from a broad range of theories and methodologies , coaching seeks inspiration from many areas, including psychology, organizational theory, adult learning, education, philosophy, business, and conflict resolution.

The gauntlet has been set in motion to determine which models are better suited to produce results. Because Coaching is an open field, and no barriers of entry exist, the task at hand is defining what works and what does not.

Some will argue for evidence based approaches that are grounded on processes of behavior and industry research methodologies; other approaches are described as belief-based, and tend to be a mix of experiential and personal methodology.

The panorama of coaching models is vast, and no one model can claim prevalence over another. As research continues and knowledge is gained from the process of applying different perspectives, the future looks bright for the end users: you and me.

Notwithstanding the many different models being used, most share commonalities in relation to the process.

1. The establishment of a relationship built on trust, unfeigned communication and confidentiality.
2. The formulation of agreed upon goals and expectations, that are Client-based.
3. A deep questioning and learning dynamic in relation to the goals, aided by the coach.

At the outset of the coaching relationship what's sought is a sense of accountability, self-awareness and commitment to future goals that leads to further growth and development.

Please take a look at the resources below for more information on different coaching models.

The Foundation of Coaching is an excellent coaching resource. Learn more about evidence-based coaching models by searching through their site.

The GROW Coaching Model A widely used methodology that may be worth your attention.

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