Coaching, What is it?
The Webster dictionary defines coaching as one who instructs or trains. To instruct means to provide with authoritative information or advice. To train means to teach so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient and/or to make prepared (as by exercise) for a test of skill.
Coaching is often called mentoring. A mentor is defined as a trusted counselor or guide. However while mentoring is said to be more relational – coaching is meant to be more structured and transactional.
For instance you might have a mentor who you call from time to time for advice. A coaching relationship often has a dedicated time each week where progress is monitored and reviewed. The coaching relationship also has specific outcomes like winning (Sports), profit (Business), personal goals achieved (Life), a promotion (Executive) or even marriage (Dating).
Coaching can come in the form of many disciplines. You can hire a business coach, an executive coach, a life coach even a dating coach! The most popular form of coaching is sports coaching.
When most people think of a coach, their mind usually conjures up an image of a sports coach.
The value of a coach in a business can also be liken to the value a sports coach provides. It also helps to answer why leaders should have a coach. Every athlete or team, even if they are at the top of their game, has a coach. Would the same team or athlete still be successful if they did not have a coach?
History tells us no. The reason why a coach is instrumental to performance is because they bring an outsiders viewpoint and can show you things that perhaps you cannot see.
Think about a golf coach. Coaches notice your stance and grip from a different viewpoint, perhaps one you cannot see yourself. They will help you correct your stance and grip until it becomes natural to you and your game improves. If you miss a putt, they encourage you to try again. Even if you miss again, you might be an inch closer to the hole. Coaches will recognize the progress you are making. They will also recognize if you repeat bad form. They will help you adjust golf equipment so you perform better. They will expect only the best out of you, knowing when to encourage, knowing when to chastise. If you have a coach for golf you should see your handicap go down.
Now think about the same principle in coaching. In professional coaching, like business coaching for instance, the same principles apply.
A business coach has an outsiders perspective of your business that even you as the owner cannot see. They will help you to implement changes inside your business until you start to see a result. They will encourage good behavior and discourage bad. If you have a coach in your business you should see your profit go up.
Life coaches help individuals identify and achieve personal goals. Executive coaches help individuals become better leaders.