There are many different descriptions of coaching – leadership, team, executive, organizational, wellness, sports – to name a few. At the core they are all the same – helping people get clear about what they want and how they want to get there. Underpinning this goal setting and planning is raising awareness of values, beliefs, roles, preferences, stuck places and edges. Coaching is really a mindfulness practice. Mindfulness means paying attention. In the moment. Noticing what you are thinking and feeling, getting done and not getting done. What’s working and not working for you, your team, your partnership or your organization.
I call myself a system disrupter. By raising an individual or team’s awareness of how they are operating, I help people disrupt the patterns and habits that get in the way of achieving their desired outcomes. It’s a combination of action and learning through reflection.
Coaching is based on the premise that you are naturally creative, resourceful and whole. Not broken. No “fixing” required. You have the answers. The coach’s job is to ask powerful questions to draw out the answers from you. To help you gain clarity on who you want to be in the course of accomplishing your goals. It’s about learning a process for living a life that is fulfilling, energizing and rewarding.
One other important role that a coach provides is that of someone who holds you accountable for the things you say you want and what you are willing to do to make them happen. While I have not seen the research, I have heard it said many times that we are 90% more likely to get something done if we are held accountable. When we know someone is interested in our progress, we are more inspired to take action.
Coaches are part of our development network as are mentors and co-mentors. While our relationships with the people in these roles may vary, the essence is the same – a focus on learning and growing and living our lives to the fullest.
You may have a formal coaching relationship with someone like me who is trained and certified as a coach. And you likely have other people in your life who pay the role of coach for you as well. Those people who tell you the truth and challenge and champion you to act on what you say is important to you. I’m fortunate to have a number of people in my life who ask me those tough questions that have me reflect on who I’m being and what I’m doing. Who are some of your favorite coaches?
