Coaching
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How can coaching nourish you?
Coaching is partnering with someone to support individuals on a thought-provoking and creative process[1] to maximise their innate potential, helping set and reach goals in executive and leadership skills, health and wellness, starting a new business or even progressing their career. For broad growth and empowerment, rather than a specific area of focus, life coaching could be a suitable option.
Coaching as it is known today, was largely influenced by a 1960s movement that sought to help people discover their untapped human potential[2], and concepts of psychology that focus on self-awareness and personal growth. Our rapidly changing work, environmental and personal landscapes, and increasing understanding that our actions can shape our future has led to more people engaging coaches[3].
While similar to disciplines such as counselling or business consulting, Coaching is distinct in that it has a focus on self-initiated action and accountability[4]. Instead of resolving issues arising from the past, or being given expert advice on how to approach situations, the key element of coaching is that it can generate creative solutions to change the future. The coach may use assessment tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator[5], or ask questions to help clients gain insights and reflect on their behaviour[6]. This clarity, in addition to goal setting can lead to very fulfilling results[7].
Coaching is not a regulated therapy in Australia, so it is worth checking before commencing if the coach is registered with the International Coach Federation Australasia[8], which offers continuing professional development and requires its members to abide by its Code of Ethics. Professional coaches usually offer a complimentary ‘discovery’ session[9] during which you can ask any questions and check that they are the right fit for you. Another way to connect with proven coaches is to ask people you trust or admire[10] for personal recommendations.
Popular types of coaching:
- Life Coaching
- Financial Coaching
- Relationships Coaching
- Wellness Coaching
- Health Coaching
- Business Coaching
- Career Coaching
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Practitioners offering Coaching
Benefits of coaching
Coaching can positively impact individuals life, career, and wellness to become a dynamic leader, a great listener, or finding a better work-life balance[11]. The individualised support provided by coaches can lead to more sustainable growth and change[12], as compared to simply attending courses or seminars.
The benefits are expected to align with the goals you are seeking to achieve, whether it be with a specific issue in your life, or simply with motivation. If you are seeking growth on a personal level, a life coach can help to identify your strengths or improve your decision-making skills[13].
Wellness coaching[14] can also support you to define your idea of optimal wellness, or identify lifestyle changes you need to make. Health coaching has been successful in motivating and changing the attitudes of people with chronic diseases[15], with a study finding that it decreased ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) symptoms in children and improved the quality of life for the children and their families. Another clinical trial found that health coaching by a nurse trained in motivational interviewing reduced feelings of fatigue and increased wellbeing in patients[16] with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Other coaches can specialise in helping you to develop in identified areas of your life such as relationships or finances.
Coaching is not only applicable to your personal life. Organisations are increasingly aware that well-rounded, emotionally intelligent leaders help organisations to succeed[17], and are using coaching as a way of investing in their high-potential executives[18]. In fact, multiple meta-analyses of available evidence showed that workplace coaching created positive impacts[19] on outcomes such as performance and skill, wellbeing and work attitudes.
Coaching may assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from a coaching session
In your first session, do pay attention to whether you feel comfortable with the coach, and whether you have a rapport with them, as research has found that your belief in the strength of the coaching relationship is an important ingredient for successful coaching[20].
Before you begin, your coach will ask questions to establish your goals and desired outcomes[21]. They may invite you to consider why your goals are important, discuss potential strategies, and explore any hesitancies that arise. Ideally, you should leave the session with action items you can work towards or put into practice for the next session. Coaching to achieve your goals may last for three to six months[22].
In order to gain the most out of your coaching session, you will need an open mind and prepare to be challenged[23]. Change is essential to growth, and your coach is likely to ask you powerful and occasionally difficult questions to help you realise different possibilities. Some coaches also recommend that you keep a journal[24] to help you reflect on your sessions as well as record real-life situations for future discussion.
Your coach is there to facilitate your development and assist you in reaching your goals. However, a coach does not take the place of a counsellor or a medical professional. Coaching may involve the discussion of very personal subjects, and if you believe coaching may bring up any emotional distress, do speak to your medical professional before commencing sessions.
Coaching FAQ
How would you define coaching?
Coaching is a partnering relationship that facilitates a thought-provoking and creative process to maximise your innate potential, help set and reach goals in areas such as executive and leadership skills, health and wellness, starting a new business or even progressing a career. For broad growth and empowerment, rather than a specific area of focus, life coaching could also be a suitable option.
Isn’t that just counselling or psychotherapy?
Coaching is distinct to counselling or psychotherapy as it has a focus on self-initiated action and accountability. Instead of resolving issues arising from the past, or being given expert advice on how to approach situations, the key element of coaching is that it can generate creative solutions to change the future.
What are the benefits of coaching?
Coaching can positively impact an individual’s life, career, and wellness depending on your identified goals. The support provided by a coach can lead to more sustainable growth and change, compared with simply attending courses or seminars.
The benefits are expected to align with the goals you are seeking to achieve, whether it be with a specific issue in your life, or simply with motivation. If you are seeking growth on a personal level, a life coach can help to identify your strengths or improve your decision-making skills.
Wellness coaching can also support you to define your idea of optimal wellness, or identify lifestyle changes you need to make.
Coaching is very hands-on because your coach will help figure out your strengths and help you improve your weaknesses.
The coaching style you choose depends on what you want to achieve, as outlined below.
- Health and wellness coaching encompasses the sciences of positive psychology, behaviour change, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle medicine delivered through one to one relationships, teamwork and community.
- Relationship coaching will focus on your relationship with yourself and others. It will assist you in gaining the confidence to attract or maintain healthy relationships.
- Financial coaching will focus on areas to assist you with your relationship with money and financial matters.
- Business or career coaching will assist you to gain clarity on a business strategy, build your leadership skills or define a career path, and then practical support as you execute your steps to achieve it.
- Life coaching will assist you with defining your goals and priorities, and empower you to overcome obstacles that have been keeping you from living at your full potential.
By and large, coaching will help you with:
- Behavioural issues
- Brain fog and clarity
- Circulation and cardiovascular conditions
- Communication and self-expression
- Concentration, focus and problem solving
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Conflict resolution
- Creativity
- Fatigue, burnout and exhaustion
- Fears and phobias
- Indecision
- Love and relationships
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Sadness
- Stress and tension
What are the qualities of a good coach?
The qualities of a good coach are outlined by the International Coaching Federation’s core competencies[25]. Coaches listed on SoulAdvisor also have to pass a rigid qualification process.
The core competencies are grouped into four categories.
- Setting the Foundation: this includes an understanding of coaching ethics and standards and the ability to apply them appropriately in all coaching situations; along with establishing an agreement with the client about the coaching process and relationship.
- Co-Creating the Relationship: establishing trust and intimacy by creating a safe, supportive environment that produces ongoing mutual respect and trust; and being fully conscious and creating a spontaneous relationship with the client, with a style that is open, flexible and confident.
- Communicating Effectively: the coach should be an active listener and understand the meaning of what is said in the context of the client’s desires, and support client self-expression. They should have the ability to ask questions that reveal the information needed for maximum benefit to the coaching relationship.
- Facilitating Learning and Results: the coach needs to create awareness in the client, help them design and set goals, maintain an effective coaching plan, and manage their progress and their accountability.
What is the most important aspect of coaching?
A good coach will establish clear agreements and keep promises. They will demonstrate respect for their client’s perceptions, learning style, and personal being. Importantly, they will provide ongoing support for and champion new behaviours and actions, including those involving risk-taking and fear of failure. They will also ask permission to coach clients in sensitive, new areas.
What is the value of coaching?
The type of coaching and the results you achieve will impact the value you derive from coaching. Often, the more you put into a coaching relationship, the more you will benefit from it. With the establishment of your specific goals, and taking action in achieving them will come a sense of achievement.
As part of the process, you may also benefit from self-awareness, improved communication, higher levels of resilience and a general sense of satisfaction as you achieve your goals. Business coaching has been shown to boost employee engagement, collaboration and business performance while personal coaching could influence self-confidence, a healthy lifestyle and mindset, and positive and engaging relationships.
Coaching is a partnership. It offers a framework for you to gain clarity and focus on your goals, and then ongoing support that encourages you to take action to achieve them.
References
1. What is ICF? International Coaching Federation (ICF); [cited on 2024 Dec 2].
2. Tkach JT, DiGirolamo JA. The state and future of coaching supervision. Institute of Organisational Psychology NZ; 2017.
3. Frequently Asked Questions. International Coaching Federation (ICF); [cited on 2024 Dec 2].
4. Unlock Your Potential. International Coaching Federation (ICF); 2018.
5. Using MBTI to Facilitate Self-Empowerment and Understanding of Others. International Coaching Federation (ICF); 2018.
6. Andersen E. 6 Ways An Executive Coach Can Make You More Successful. Forbes; 2017.
7. What is Coaching? International Coaching Federation (ICF); [cited on 2024 Dec 2].
8. Home. ICF Australasia; [cited on 2024 Dec 2].
9. How to Find a Life Coach that’s Right for You. The Coaching Institute; [cited on 2024 Dec 2].
10. Bouchane K. How to find a great coach. HuffPost; 2018.
11. Coaching for Change. Harvard Business Review; 2020.
12. Benefits of Coaching. Institute of Coaching; [cited on 2024 Dec 2].
13. Celestine N. Your Ultimate Life Coaching Tools Library. Positive Psychology; 2017.
14. Professional Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching. Wellness Coaching Australia; [cited on 2024 Dec 2].
15. Ron AG, Grasa RS, Lago RB, Hernani BH, Martinez DAP. Pilot study of the efficacy of empowering patients through coaching as a complementary therapy in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Neurología (English Edition); 2016.
16. Rehman H, Karpman C, Douglas KV, Benzo RP. Effect of a motivational Interviewing-Based Health coaching on quality of life in subjects with COPD. Respiratory Care; 2017.
17. Coutu D, Kauffman C. What Can Coaches Do for You? Harvard Business Review; 2009.
18. Jacobs E. New Year, New You! The boom in executive coaching. Financial Review; 2020.
19. Grant A, O’Connor S. A brief primer for those new to coaching research and evidence-based practice. The Coaching Psychologist; 2019.
20. De Haan E, Grant AM, Burger Y, Eriksson PO. A large-scale study of executive and workplace coaching: The relative contributions of relationship, personality match, and self-efficacy. Consulting Psychology Journal; 2016.
21. How to Structure a Coaching Session. International Coach Academy (ICA); 2014.
22. Frequently Asked Questions. International Coaching Federation (ICF); [cited on 2024 Dec 2].
23. Braden M. How To Get The Most Out Of Your Next Coaching Session. Forbes; 2018.
24. Inam H. To Be An Effective Leader Keep A Leadership Journal. Forbes; 2017.
25. ICF Core Competencies. International Coaching Federation (ICF);
Frequently asked questions
