There are a lot of misunderstandings about how coaching works.
And this became clear the other day with a client struggling with a direct report’s performance. The client looked to me to propose a solution to the problem. And I can understand this inclination.
During my coaching sessions, clients often ask me for advice.
Coaching is not, however, about giving advice.
And 9 times out of 10, I refrain from answering. Instead, I ask the client how they would answer the question or what options they have. When I do provide advice, it’s because I really feel the client is stuck and would greatly benefit from a novel perspective from me. This is always a judgement call and I avoid this option in my coaching sessions.
This is because an effective coach rarely gives advice.
Rather, we create a process that enables individuals to 1) gain new insights about their current beliefs and behaviors, including how they get in the way, and 2) build an awareness of new possibilities. Generally speaking, most people, through effective coaching, are able to uncover the answers to how they need to change to reach their goal. However, they struggle with “healthy” resistance or they have blind spots. So coaching is about building the client’s awareness of new possibilities, flawed assumptions, empowering practice and experimentation, and the creation of an action plan for change.
Hopefully, this 90-second video gives you more insight into how coaching work and answers some questions you have about coaching.
If you’d like to explore how coaching can help you find more success professionally while maintaining inner-balance, please reach out to me at dehrenthal@mach10career.com or ring me at 617-529-8795. Or visit our website at mach10career.com.