To me, there are a few important characteristics that make coaching 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”, which nicely encompasses its most crucial elements. Coaching, unfortunately, is still a bit of a “wild west” field with no centralized body that controls who can call herself/himself a coach. You have probably seen plenty of ads of life, relationship, wellness or executive coaches. So how do you look for a perfect match? How to find a (great, solid, good,...) coach? Research has proven that it is mainly a trustworthy relationship between the coach and client that makes it a successful coaching trajectory[1]. Some of you may have the resources and time to do some “coaches speed dating”. However, it can be a draining process to explain yourself AGAIN and AGAIN to a new person, so it might be a good idea to do some research in advance. What is essential to look out for prior to booking a coaching session?
Remember that the first coaching meeting should always be free anyway. It is usually called a “chemistry”/ “look-see” session. Don't be tricked by coaches making it their selling point. *ICF accreditation indicates a high quality of coaching. However, interestingly, there is no empirical evidence that the coach’s competencies approved by ICF actually work[2]. [1] Lai, Y-L. & McDowall, A. (2014). A systematic review (SR) of coaching psychology: Focusing on the attributes of effective coaching psychologists. International Coaching Psychology Review. 9. 120-136. [2] Boyatzis, R., Smith, M. L. & Van Oosten, E. (2019). Helping People Change: Coaching with Compassion for Lifelong Learning and Growth. Boston: Harvard Press Review. Leave a Reply. |