What is coaching?

Some people aren't sure exactly what coaching is, so here I explain what you can expect from coaching, my coaching style and how coaching differs from mentoring.

Future focus

Coaching focuses on the future and the coach helps their coachee get from where they are now to where they want to be. You don't need to come to coaching knowing exactly what that looks like - part of the coach's job is to help you figure it out if you're not sure. Coaching is underpinned by goals and you'll set goals that will change your career and life for the better. A sound goal will be something you can achieve yourself, so you're setting yourself up for success, and it'll be something you really want to achieve.

Coaches meet their coachees as equals with the belief that their coachees have all the answers they need within them - it's the coach's job to bring them out. That means you can expect your coach to ask you a lot of questions! Coaching conversations are different to those you have with friends and family, and a coach will ask you questions that other people don't, to bring about fresh perspectives.

Coaching is also brilliant for helping to increase your self-awareness. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of yourself, your thoughts, your feelings and beliefs. The better you know yourself, the better idea you'll have of what you need to feel happy and fulfilled. Knowing what your values are and identifying and smashing your limiting beliefs is transformational.

My style of coaching

I'd describe my style as professional but friendly. Coaching can be a serious business but there's definitely also room for fun and laughter. I'm a big fan of challenge as it broadens perspectives and helps you see things through a new lens...but how much challenge you need is something you decide and something I respect.

I'll be firmly in your corner to support you to achieve your goals while also holding you accountable. I'll also make sure we celebrate all the things you achieve as it's all too easy to let those moments pass without recognising them.​

What about mentoring?

Mentoring has a different dynamic to coaching, as the mentor usually comes from a place of experience, sharing their advice to help their mentee develop and grow. People often say that coaching, mentoring and counselling live on the same spectrum, and mentoring is much more directive than coaching. The main difference between coaching and counselling is that counselling looks back to the past, while coaching looks to the future.

If coaching sounds like something you'd benefit from, I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch here