Coaching is not remedial.
Coaching is not just for underperforming individuals who need remedial support. Coaching is a tool that can help high-performing individuals become even stronger and more effective in their roles.
In fact, many top performers, athletes, and executives work with coaches to achieve greater levels of success, even if they’re already performing well. Coaching can help individuals reach their full potential, whether they’re seeking to develop a specific skill, overcome a challenge, or take their leadership to the next level. Coaching is not just about fixing problems or addressing weaknesses, but rather it’s an opportunity for growth, development, and achieving even greater levels of success.
(There is a time for remedial work — but that is not the coaching I do.)
Coaching is not therapy.
While some of the techniques used in coaching and therapy may be similar, therapy is focused on healing and unblocking past traumas or psychological issues. In contrast, coaching is future-oriented and action-oriented and assumes that clients are starting from a place of relative psychological health. Coaching is not intended to replace therapy, and clients who need therapy are encouraged to seek it from a licensed therapist.
(Therapy can be helpful — but it is not coaching.)
Coaching is not mentoring
A mentor is an expert in a particular field who seeks to pass on their expertise to others. In a mentoring relationship, the mentor serves as an advisor and teacher to someone who is younger or less experienced. While coaches may use some similar techniques as mentors, the focus of coaching is on helping the client discover their own strengths, solutions, and strategies. In coaching, the client sets the agenda and the client is the expert.
(Mentoring can be helpful — but it is not coaching.)
Coaching is not training
Training is typically focused on delivering specific knowledge or skills to the client, often through a predefined curriculum or set of materials. In contrast, coaching is focused on helping the client develop their own knowledge, skills, and strategies. The coach does not set the agenda or prescribe a particular approach; instead, the coach works with the client to identify their goals and develop a customized plan to achieve them.
(Training can be helpful — but it is not coaching.)
Coaching is not authoritarian
While some people may associate coaching with authoritarian or commanding leadership styles, coaching is actually a collaborative and supportive process. The coach does not direct or control the client, but rather works with the client to identify their own goals, priorities, and action steps. The coach provides encouragement and support, but ultimately the client is in control of their own development.(Youth sports can be helpful — but it is not the same type of coaching.)
A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear,
Tom Landry
who has you see what you don’t want to see,
so you can be who you have always known you could be.
If you’re interested in learning more about coaching, we invite you to check out the following links:
“What Coaching Is” describes that coaching is a collaborative process that helps individuals focus on their goals, develop their own insights, take action toward progress, and grow in all aspects of their lives with the support of a coach.
“What Coaching Isn’t” provides clarity on what coaching is not, helping you better understand the distinctions between coaching and other types of support.
“Why Coaching Works” explains the benefits of coaching and how it can help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.
“Why Use a Coach” explores the various reasons why individuals and organizations seek out coaching and the positive impact it can have on personal and professional growth.
“How Christian Coaching Is Unique” delves into the distinctives of Christian coaching and how it can help individuals integrate their faith and values into their coaching experience.
We hope these resources provide helpful insights and support as you consider the coaching process.
When you’re ready to take your life to the next level, contact us today to schedule your first coaching session. We look forward to helping you achieve your dreams and reach your full potential.