The coaching competencies plus various models and processes are easily and naturally intertwined during coaching relationships. The scenarios in the previous blogs give you a sense that while there are many different processes and models, when blended with the competencies all serve to move the coachee forward.
Coaching Compared to Other Models
Professional accountants, financial planners, attorneys, doctors, dentists, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and social workers are hired because of their licensing and subject matter expertise. Professionals in human resources, talent development, training, organizational development, and consulting are employed because of their education and expertise in their field.
Coaches are hired for their process expertise. Coaching differs from other professional roles in that a coach serves primarily as a process expert while the coachee is the primary subject matter expert. Ultimately the coachee knows their own circumstances, relationships, considerations, and dreams better than anyone else. That the coach puts the coachee in charge of being their own best expert results in the coachee thinking deeply and making their own choices. This means they own it and follow through.
What a Coachee Gains from Coaching
Research shows quantitative and qualitative benefits to coaching. The challenge is explaining to one individual what they will gain.
Reflect on the experience of coaching from the coachee’s perspective. The coachee talks about who they are and what they want. The coachee thinks and describes what they want in all areas of their life. The coachee is focused on their own big picture so their priorities and considerations become clear. Chances are this is the first time the coachee has invested this much time into their own dreams.
During the coaching, the coachee explores possibilities, strategies, and plans their actions. The focus is on the coachee’s goals and planning. The coach is an accountability partner and maintains a positive, proactive approach.
The coachee feels supported. By experiencing the positive and proactive approach, the coachee adopts this for themselves. The coachee’s confidence increases, their thinking becomes clearer, and their decision making is more effective.
In addition to the impact of coaching, the coaching model and process empowers being effective, clear-thinking, and happy.