What is coaching?
Introduction
Hi, I’m Andy Stone, founder of EchoClarity Coaching, where I provide online coaching for tech professionals.
In this post I explain in simple terms what coaching actually is.
Coaching is about positive change
Coaching is about change and it’s a positive, forwards looking activity.
When you choose to be coached you’re choosing to improve yourself and that can be in a wide variety of ways.
Here’s a few examples of why you might choose to get some coaching
- you want to be more confident and a better leader
- you want to feel more fulfilled or valued at work
- you’re stepping up into a new role requiring different skills and behaviours
- you need to figure out what you want to do next with your career.
There are many different situations where coaching can help you improve.
What actually happens in coaching?
- Coaching is typically a series of collaborative conversations between the coach and the person (or team) being coached.
- Coaching is confidential, like if you were seeing your doctor or therapist. (However, coaching is not about fixing any sort of mental condition or addressing any trauma; as I mentioned earlier, coaching is forwards looking and it’s focussed on what positive changes you can make.)
- You bring what you want to achieve to the coaching session(s).
- Your coach brings the coaching methods and techniques to help you navigate your way, gain clarity, and identify the best actions to take.
- You can expect your coach to ask you challenging questions, provide thought exercises for you to work through, and to adapt the conversation based on your needs and what works for you.
- During coaching, you’ll have space and time to really think in a focussed way.
- It’s up to you to figure out what actions to take. Coaching enables you to do that, without judging or directing you.
- And finally, you can expect to be truly listened to by your coach.
Should I get coaching?
Coaching is an investment in improving yourself and your performance.
If you feel like something needs to change, either in yourself, your role, or you're unclear on your next move, consider coaching.
Start by writing down what you want to change and/or achieve. What is the first step you can take on that journey?
If you want to find out more book a free no-obligation intro chat or email me