What is Good Coaching?

The elements of a good coaching relationship include the following four:

1st - Good coaching is always change-oriented.
That is, good coaching is not counseling; it is not focused on the past. Although it may discuss past behavior or results, the goal is to make appropriate changes for the future so that success can be enjoyed.

2nd - Good coaching focuses upon solving problems, not fixing the person.
That is the focus is problem, not person. Even if the the person being coached is concerned about particular habits which s/he may have which are inhibiting their success, the goal is still on solving a problem. Coaching is objective, not subjective. That is, even if the person being coached wants to be changed, the focus is upon the problem, or habit, that needs to be changed; not the person that needs to be 'fixed'.

3rd - Good coaching always communicates respect.
The coach keeps all sessions confidential. The coach respects the other person's judgements, opinions, and action steps selected. The coach is not there to second-guess the client, but to support, encourage, and offer feedback when asked.

4th - Good coaching is focused on outward, observable performance, not internal feelings.
This is another reason why coaching is not counseling. While feelings are the main issue to deal with in counseling, they are only secondary to coaching in so far as they inhibit performance of specific success behaviors.

If a coach wants to help a client achieve a high-level of success this necessarily requires a focus on specific, observable behaviors which can be recorded, commented upon, and changed.

For positive change is the name of the game in coaching.

God bless,

Dr. Bill