Nothing But the Facts

 

Coaching – 57,800,000 results according to Google.

Welcome to the world of coaching in 2011.

Ten years ago? I’d get the blank stare, followed by a hesitant, “What sport do you coach?”

Now? Coaches are everywhere. The Internet is full of them. It’s the newest, most all encompassing trend there is and if you spend any amount of time online you’ll discover quickly that every Tom, Dick and Harry is now calling themselves a a coach.

But what exactly does that mean?

• The ICF (International Coach Federation): Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
• Wikipedia: Life coaching is a future-focused practice with the aim of helping clients determine and achieve personal goals.
• Dictionary.com: A life coach is an advisor who helps people with problems, decisions, and goal attainment in daily life.

If you took the time to look at some of those 57,800,000 coaching sites you’d be exposed to a lot of hype, jargon and often BS about coaching. I like the simplicity of that last definition, although I spend a lot more time asking questions and listening then I do advising.

And that’s what makes the difference.

“Listening is such a simple act. It requires us to be present, and that takes practice. We have to be willing to sit there and listen.” – Margaret J. Wheatley

I can hear it now…

“You listen for a living?”

Yes, and it’s SO much more than that.

The Facts

{Note: I’ll be answering from my own perspective and experience, not from the official stance of the ICF.}

What is coaching?

You know what a sports coach does? Now you know what I do.

That’s a little tongue in cheek, but not far off the mark.

There is nothing quite like the coaching relationship. It’s powerful, supportive, creative and surprisingly intimate.

Even the most hardcore business clients end up sharing their personal issues and challenges.

Why? Because the listening that I mentioned above creates an exquisitely safe space.

Think about it…

How often does someone give you their undivided attention and listening for 30-40 minutes at a time?

Coaching is a conversation.

Sometimes it’s about providing tools, structure and accountability. Sometimes it can go deep as you explore the stuff that’s gotten in your way: limiting beliefs, old stories from the past, insecurities, etc.

Coaching works because the focus is on YOU.

• Your goals.
• Your passions.
• Your dreams.

Your agenda and focus in every session.

How is coaching different?

It’s not consulting. Occasionally if I’m mentoring a new coach I step into consulting mode. But for the most part, it’s not my job to give you advice.

I ask a lot of questions and I don’t give up. You might want to as things come up. Life is confronting enough without having to answer very direct questions about the most personal aspects of your life and business.

But that’s why it works.

It’s your life. You have the answers. I just help get them out of your head and into reality.

It’s not teaching. Although sometimes I share what I’ve learned. You decide what you need to know and if I’ve got something up my sleeve that can help you out, I gladly share it. There’s no point in reinventing the wheel!

It’s NOT therapy. Easiest way to think of it is like this: Therapy focuses on the past, healing and resolution. Coaching focuses on the here and now, as well as the future and the actions needed to move forward.

Analyzing past events, understanding emotional reactions, or determining the cause of your sometimes unresourceful behaviour is therapy. I don’t do that.

What do people get out of coaching?

• Caring
• Focus
• Energy
• Support
• Partnership
• Accountability

Coaching carves out time in your schedule to focus on what YOU want.

As altruistic as this may sound, I have no agenda other than helping you get more of what you want in life. I have spent a lot of time, money and effort to do what I do and I’ll use whatever it takes to inspire you, kick your butt, and hold you accountable.

Because I want you to shine, and have what you want in life. We are all meant to shine, that’s what we’re here for!

What most coaches (and all the Tom, Dick and Harrys) don’t talk about is this:

It’s not always a feel good, happy dance experience.

Usually, the breakdowns come before the breakthroughs.

That’s life.

You’ll probably cry.

At some point you’ll resist.

You might even make up some adult version of “the dog ate my homework.”

But however you show up is perfect because that’s where the growth is, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Those are my facts.

Yes, there are more, but here’s the thing: How much will jargon and hype make a difference to your life?

Exactly.

You’ve got the facts, now let’s connect.