Frequently Asked Questions about Coaching:

What Is Coaching?

Professional coaching is a partnership between a qualified coach and an individual or team that want to achieve extraordinary results, based on goals set by the individual or team.

Through the process of coaching, individuals focus on the skills and actions they need to successfully achieve the results they desire. The individual or team chooses the focus of conversation, while the coach listens. The coach will offer observations and questions as well as ideas and principles that can help in identifying actions.

Through the coaching process, the clarity that is needed to support the most effective outcomes is achieved. Coaching accelerates the individual’s or team’s progress. It does this by providing greater focus and awareness on outcomes that lead to more effective choices. Coaching concentrates on where individuals are now, and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be in the future. Good coaches recognise that results are the outcome of the individual’s or team’s choices and actions, and the coach supports them with his/her efforts and application of coaching skills, approaches and methods.

What are the benefits of coaching?

Individuals who work with a coach can expect to have fresh outlooks on personal challenges and opportunities, become better equipped in their thinking and decision making skills, become more confident when dealing with other people, and have increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles. They can also expect to see positive results in their productivity, personal satisfaction with life and work, and the achievement of personally relevant goals.

How can you determine if coaching is right for you?

To determine if you could benefit from coaching, start by making a list of what you would expect to accomplish in coaching. When someone has a fairly clear idea of the desired outcome, a coaching partnership can be a useful tool for developing a strategy for how to achieve that outcome with greater ease.

As coaching is a partnership, also ask yourself if you find it valuable to collaborate, to have another viewpoint and to be asked to consider new perspectives. Also, ask yourself if you are ready to devote the time and the energy to making real changes in your work or life. If the answer to these questions is yes, then coaching may be a beneficial way for you to grow and develop.