What Is Coaching?

What Is Coaching?

The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The goal is to help someone succeed. We can look at the Biblical example of someone like Barnabas. By encouraging and challenging others, Barnabas empowered others for ministry.

Success looks different for each person. We need to discover what it is God wants us to do. Coaches aid that process, but they don’t direct it. Coaching is not about telling others what to do; it’s about helping them discover it for themselves.

Coaches help people find their way and give them a sense of perspective. The person being coached benefits from the process by discovering new understanding and how it fits within what they already know. The process of discovery creates a much deeper connection than simply being told facts, and the ownership that comes with working through developing the solutions increases the likelihood of follow through. The coach uses a range of skills to create space for the client to process and set goals. The client always sets the agenda for these conversations and is responsible for outcomes.

Coaching takes place through a series of one-on-one meetings, either in person or over the phone, and provides a unique opportunity to move forward on goals through the exploration of ideas with a confidential and unbiased thinking partner.