The chief characteristics of coaching are that 1) it is a process to help someone get from where they are, to where they want to be – without 2) telling them what they should do.
However this doesn´t provide a clear definition making coaching distinct from counselling, mentoring etc
Many forms of counselling would want counsellors to operate the same way. Apart from the fact that coachesofter chanrge a lot more than counsellors (!) coaching is rovided on the assumption that the client is a reasonably healthy, reasonably normal individual without the specific need of therapy. Counselling is normally thought of as a therapy.
Some of the complexities of this issue of definition are seen in these extracts taken from Wikipedia;
Coaching is a method of directing, instructing and training a person or group of people, with the aim to achieve some goal or develop specific skills. There are many ways to coach, types of coaching and methods to coaching. Direction may include motivational speaking. Training may include seminars, workshops, and supervised practice. Wiki
Life coaching is a practice with the stated aim of helping clients determine and achieve personal goals. Life coaches use multiple methods they say may help clients with the process of setting and reaching goals. Coaching is not targeted at psychological illness, and coaches are not therapists nor consultants. Wiki
Business coaching is the practice of providing support and advice to an individual or group in order to help them recognise ways in which they can improve the effectiveness of their business. It can be provided in a number of ways, including one-on-one tuition, group coaching sessions and large scale seminars. Business coaches are often called in when a business is perceived to be performing badly, however many businesses recognise the benefits of business coaching even when the organisation is successful. Business coaches often specialize in different practice areas such as career coaching, ceo coaching, leadership coaching, etc.
Business coaching is not the same as mentoring. Mentoring involves a developmental relationship between a more experienced “mentor” and a less experienced partner, and typically involves sharing of advice. A business coach can act as a mentor given that he or she has adequate expertise and experience. A good business coach need not have specific business expertise and experience in the same field as the person receiving the coaching, in order to provide good business coaching. Wiki
More to follow
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All postings to this site relate to the central SunWALK model in the PhD.
Summaries are HERE
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