What is Coaching?

In a world abundant with therapists, counsellors, mentors, and various other support figures, what defines a coach? The term "coach" can indeed be ambiguous, particularly in India where coaches are prevalent in various domains, including sports such as basketball and football, among others.

In my experience in the field of education over the past 10 years, it's commonly observed that the names of competitive examinations for which individuals are preparing are often suffixed with the term "coaching." For example, you may be familiar with IIT JEE Coaching or UPSC CSE Coaching, among others.

Cambridge dictionary defines a coach as "someone whose job is to teach people to improve at a sport, skill, or school subject" encapsulates the broad scope of coaching. Similarly, coaching is defined as "the act of giving special classes in sports, a school subject, or a work-related activity, especially to one person or a small group," underscores the diverse contexts in which coaching is applied, from sports training to academic tutoring and professional development.

Here, we're delving into a different kind of coaching, one that goes beyond the conventional definitions. The International Coach Federation (ICF), known for upholding the highest standards in coaching, characterizes coaching as "Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential."

The beauty of this definition lies in its self-contained clarity. It encapsulates the essence of coaching succinctly, making it accessible for anyone seeking the services of a coach. Let's break it down to understand its components.

Partnering with the clients

A coach serves as your equal, positioned neither above nor below you. They engage in dialogue as your thinking partner, not as a mentor claiming subjective expertise in your specific area of challenge. Their role isn't to solve your problems directly but to coach you (the person/client) in overcoming the obstacles hindering your progress. As you navigate your journey and successfully address your challenges, the credit rightfully goes to you, not the coach. The coach serves as a facilitator, aiding in the dismantling of self-limiting beliefs that have hindered your ability to operate at your full potential.

Thought-provoking and creative process

Often, when individuals express uncertainty about what to do, they may actually possess a subconscious awareness of potential actions. However, they perceive certain obstacles as insurmountable, leading to a belief that the desired outcome is unattainable.

These perceived barriers vary in depth and complexity depending on the individual and the nature of the challenge they confront. Some reasons may be readily apparent, while others may lie buried in deeper layers of consciousness.

Through deep listening and powerful questioning techniques, a coach can help individuals become aware of the underlying beliefs and perceptions that contribute to their perceived barriers. By shining a light on these subconscious patterns, individuals gain clarity on what's holding them back.

Inspires the clients

Coaches empower individuals to take ownership of their actions and decisions. By fostering self-awareness, self-discovery, and self-confidence, coaches help individuals cultivate the mindset and skills needed to overcome perceived barriers and achieve their full potential.

Maximize personal and professional potential

Coaching indeed plays a pivotal role in addressing the self-limiting beliefs that individuals harbour, liberating them from the invisible chains that have held them back. Its applicability extends across various challenges individuals may encounter in their personal and professional lives.

On a personal level, a coach can play a pivotal role in facilitating the growth of an individual across various dimensions of their relationships. This encompasses their relationship with themselves, their primary partner, other family members, and friends.

While at the professional level, coaching serves as a catalyst for individuals to navigate the complexities of their careers, cultivate leadership skills, and foster productive relationships within the workplace.

Whether it's personal or professional development, coaching offers a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their strengths, values, and aspirations, confront limiting beliefs, and unleash their untapped potential. By fostering self-awareness, resilience, and accountability, coaching enables individuals to navigate transitions, cultivate healthy relationships, and lead fulfilling and purpose-driven lives.