I am a coach. I love what I do. A lot of people have good questions about my work.
One question that gets asked repeatedly is, “What is coaching?”
The best answer to “What is coaching?” is always to experience coaching. It’s like trying to describe chocolate cake.
You can try to describe chocolate cake or you can eat chocolate cake. There’s a big difference.
According to the International Coaches Federation, the governing and regulatory body for certified coaches, “Professional coaching brings many wonderful benefits: fresh perspectives on personal challenges, enhanced decision-making skills, greater interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence. And, the list does not end there. Those who undertake coaching also can expect appreciable improvement in productivity, satisfaction with life and work, and the attainment of relevant goals.”
Wow, right?
Another way of looking at the question “What is coaching?” is to hear what clients experience in a coaching conversation. It’s sort of like asking what it feels like to eat chocolate cake.
Here are some candid responses from my clients.
Coaching feels like…..
Clarity and direction
Encouragement with action
Finding my bravest self
Focused empowering
Hard Work
Challenging
Enlightening
Informative
Momentum with hope
Safe
Impending Change
Hopeful Moving Forward
Reorganizing of thoughts
Action Focused
Uncomfortable in a good way
Exciting
Clear Direction
Vulnerability, Ownership, Clarity
I CAN CHANGE!
If you are looking for any of those results this year and you’re tired of the same struggles year after year, hiring a coach may be a great option for you. I know it has changed my life and I am honoured to offer my clients a conversation that can do so much!
One word of caution… chocolate cake with all of the best, specialized ingredients, that is masterfully put together by an experienced chef is going to be a very different experience than eating cake that was baked by someone with less understanding of the ingredients. Find a coach with training and experience that supports the outcomes and experience you are looking for.
So, instead of just asking, “What is coaching?”, try it! You’ll be glad you did. It’s better than chocolate cake.
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