One of the first steps some goal setters take to help bring about change in their lives is to seek out the services of a qualified life coach.
The role of the coach has taken on great significance in recent decades. And given the immense pace of technological change, the increasing number of individuals questioning their contribution to society and the huge uncertainties of the economic climate, it’s little surprise that these service providers are in demand.
But what is involved? In this article, I will explain what a client can expect from most non-directive coaching relationships.
A coach helps clients empower themselves to address aspects of their personal and professional lives. Some deal with personal clients while others only work with organisations that have identified individuals who could benefit. Some choose to work with both types of client.
Either way, there will be an early discussion around expectations and the role of the coach. An effective coach sets out to create a trusting and confidential environment in which the client can speak openly and explore the areas they would like to address.
Framework
Some will use a framework that encourages the client to set goals and map out action plans for achieving them. The key, here, is to break down goals, once they have been identified, into small, manageable steps. This helps to make the goal-setting progress realistic but it’s also useful for identifying milestones at which the client can observe progress and reward themselves accordingly.
There are occasions where the client is unaware of the specific issue – or issues – but the coach, through careful probing and listening (effective coaches listen a lot), will help them get to the root of the matter.
Following up
This will be followed up with a series of monitor-and-review sessions to discuss progress. Additional email and phone personal development coaching are sometimes available but the overall aim is to give clients the tools and techniques for moving on as quickly and effectively as possible themselves.
And a coach needs a coach. For instance, the Association for Coaching encourages members to participate in co-coaching sessions, allowing them to gain new perspectives and develop new techniques. This co-coaching also enables us to understand matters from the client perspective.
Is coaching the same as mentoring?
There are several debates around this but my approach – and that of many of my associates – is to be non-directive. There are frequent misconceptions about the role of a life coach with potential clients reporting they “need a mentor” or “I must get someone to advise where I’m going wrong.” Some even mistake it with the role of the counsellor.
The names “mentor”,” life coach” and “counsellor” are not interchangeable.
Opportunities
The life coach helps the client consider all aspects of their life. The focus isn’t on the past but on the client’s desired outcome and on strategies to make it happen. A coaching session is non-judgemental and explores opportunities while helping the individual to take responsibility. Rather than advise or instruct, the coach adopts the role of sounding board or catalyst. The coaching tools of effective questioning, listening and rapport building allow the individual to find the answers.
A mentor is usually someone from the same profession or industry who is able to provide insight, advice and recommendations. Usually the focus is on a career. The career guidance aspect means the mentoring relationship might last a long time.
A counsellor helps an individual to address an issue that is causing dysfunction such as a traumatic event or bereavement. The discussion will be about past events with the aim of understanding their impact on current emotions and behaviours. The counsellor will work with the client to come to terms with the current situation.
It’s important for goal setters to understand these major differences to avoid confusion.
A life coach can be an effective catalyst for change. Rather than react to change, we can bring about our own change. By being proactive, we can shape the agenda. Life is not a rehearsal and sometimes it makes sense to get all the help we can.