What is Coaching?

Coaching Definition - ICF

As per the International Coach Federation (ICF), coaching is defined as:

"Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential."

1. Collaborative Partnership: Coaching involves a collaborative partnership between the coach and the client.
2. Thought-Provoking: Sessions stimulate the client's thinking and encourage self-reflection.
3. Creativity: Coaching encourages creative problem-solving and goal-setting.
4. Inspiration: Coaches motivate and encourage clients to maximize their potential.
5. Maximizing Potential: The goal is to help clients identify strengths and leverage them to achieve goals.
6. Personal and Professional Growth: Coaching facilitates growth in both personal and professional aspects.
7. Non-Directive Approach: Coaches do not provide advice; instead, they empower clients to find their own solutions.
8. Client-Centered: Coaching is tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each client
9. Action-Oriented: Coaching emphasizes taking actionable steps towards goals.
10. Empowerment: Clients gain skills, confidence, and self-awareness to navigate challenges and create change

Coaching Impact

Return on Investment (ROI): Organizations experience a median ROI of 700% from coaching investments.
Improved Performance: 86% of coaching clients report recouping their investment through increased productivity or improved performance.
Enhanced Leadership Skills: 95% of leaders who received coaching reported a positive impact on their leadership abilities.
Employee Engagement and Retention: Organizations with strong coaching cultures report higher employee engagement (60%) and lower turnover (46%).
Personal Growth and Well-being: Coaching contributes to improved relationships (73%) and communication skills (72%) among individuals.
Organizational Success: Companies with robust coaching cultures see higher revenue growth compared to those without such cultures

Coaching is not

Consulting: Consulting involves providing expert advice or solutions to clients based on the consultant's knowledge and expertise. Unlike coaching, consulting typically involves more directive guidance and problem-solving.
Mentoring: Mentoring involves sharing knowledge, expertise, and advice based on the mentor's own experiences.
Therapy or Counseling: Therapy or counseling is focused on addressing emotional, psychological, or mental health issues and typically involves a licensed professional trained in psychotherapy techniques. Coaching, on the other hand, is forward-focused and aims to help clients achieve their goals rather than delving into past traumas or mental health conditions.
Training: Training involves teaching specific skills or knowledge to individuals or groups through structured learning sessions. Coaching differs from training in that it is more personalized, client-centered, and focused on facilitating self-discovery and growth rather than imparting information.
Managing or Supervising: Managing or supervising involves overseeing and directing the work of others within an organizational context. While managers or supervisors may incorporate coaching skills into their leadership approach, coaching itself is distinct from traditional hierarchical roles.
Giving Advice or Solutions: Coaching is not about providing answers or telling clients what to do. Instead, coaches facilitate the client's own exploration and problem-solving process, helping them uncover their own solutions and strategies.
Educating or Instructing: Educating or instructing involves imparting knowledge or teaching skills through lectures, demonstrations, or presentations. Coaching focuses more on asking powerful questions, active listening, and fostering self-awareness to support the client's growth and development