Cathy Liska Each coach has a unique style and a unique way of coaching. Yes, many have similar frameworks, methodologies, and processes for their coaching work. How the individual coach uses these is what makes them unique.
As an example, during training in the Certified Professional Coach class at the Center for Coaching Certification, questionnaires and a process are provided so that participants learn powerful questioning, flow, and walk out the door with a how-to for coaching. Then, for the Certified Master Coach class, participants decide how to coach – whether to be free-flowing, develop a process together, or if desired use a pre-determined set of questions. Each session is unique – whether with the same set of questions or in a free-flowing process. This is because each coach has their own style and each client is exploring a unique set of possibilities.
The type of coaching, whether career, life, business, or executive, also influences the coaching process. A fascinating caveat to this is that whatever the type of coaching, there is value in really exploring what the client wants in all areas of their life for several reasons:
- The different areas of life are influencing factors for each goal.
- Exploring the big picture creates awareness which in turn supports effective decision making.
- The process of full exploration is foundational in developing rapport with a client.
After fully exploring the big picture, the coaching sessions then hone in on what a client wants to accomplish and the specific purpose of the coaching.
In addition to unique coaching styles, coaches also define their unique value proposition based on their experience and process. For a client, this enhances understanding of what is offered by the individual coach.
