Introduction to Coaching

I started with my coaching certification journey in Oct’20 by enrolling for “Art and Science of Coaching Module 1 & 2” course with Ericson International . After an intense 64 hours training spread over 2 months, I became a Certified Coach. It was a quite an enriching experience.

As I announced my new identity of a Coach on social media platforms, I started receiving queries from my acquaintances as to what Coaching really is. Many confused it for counseling , mentoring and training. Few asked me how it actually works? How much time it takes? Is it really transformational ? Who needs coaching? I try to address a few of these questions in this blog.

What is Coaching?

International Coaching 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.

Another definition of coaching given by John Whitmore in his book Coaching for Performance states “Coaching is unlocking people's potential to maximize their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.”

So coaching is all about maximising one’s potential. Each one of us have inherent potential, but sadly few are able to tap it fully. In Ramayana a situation occurred when someone was required to cross a huge ocean to reach Lanka in the search of Sita, who was abducted by Lanka king Ravana. Jambavant, a bear warrior, knew the potential of Hanuman. He reminded Hanuman that the crossing that ocean was nothing before his power and strength. After realizing his power, Hanuman easily crossed the ocean and located Sita, not only this, he turned Lanka into ashes when Ravana tried to capture him.

Most of us are like Shree Hanuman. Our power and potential remains latent and useless like Hanuman until and unless someone reminds us about our own capacity. We do not have any idea what potential we are possessing as a human and need a Jambavant to remind us of the powerhouse we are. That is what the coach does. Like Jambavant, the coach helps the clients maximise their potential.

Role of a Coach

The coach helps create a transformation in their client’s life. The coaching methodology includes the skills, strategies, techniques, systems, awareness and innate intelligence that the coach brings to the coaching sessions so the clients experience game-changing breakthroughs and amazing results.

The coach does not advice, suggest or offers any direct solutions to the clients. Instead,the coach holds the space for the client to tap into their inner potential to get the answer through powerful questioning. Coaching conversations are solution focused aims at creating a better today and tomorrow for the clients.

Who needs Coaching?

Any one(a student, professional, home maker, CEO etc) can take the services of the coach. One can approch the coach for finding solutions for personal issues (improving confidence, self esteem, getting rid of procrastination, relationship issues, anger issues) to organisational challenges (team dynamics, team performance, result orientation, decision making). Any one who needs to maximise their potential can take up to coaching.

How are coaching sessions conducted?

Coaching sessions are normally one to one. They can be conducted remotely over Zoom, Teams, Google Meet or they can be conducted face to face. Typically one coaching conversation lasts 30 -60 mins.

How many coaching sessions are required?

This varies on case to case basis. Typically to have a transformational impact a minimum of 6 -8 sessions are prescribed which can be spread over 3–4 months minimum. These are just indicative. It is the clients who get to decide how long they would like to be coached.

Is Coaching Transformational?

Absolutely. In my limited coaching experience, I have experienced a lot of changes in my self and the clients I have coached . The only condition is that the clients needs to commit to the process. I would strongly encourage you to experience it for yourself. I promise you will not regret your decision.

I will be sharing a few of the transformational experiences in the upcoming blogs. I will be more than happy to engage with you to help you maximise your potential. This is an experiential journey. Please feel free to sign up for an exploratory session to understand how coaching can be beneficial to you. Till we meet again, take very good care of you and your family.