This is the second part of the series on coaching by Tsafy Simons. In this article, Tsafy looks at the philosophy and process of
coaching. Read the first
part of the article.
The Philosophy of Coaching
On the Road to Self-Discovery Coaches have a way of making their clients face difficult issues.
To start on the road to self-discovery, how would you answer these questions?
1. If you were not limited by time, money or obligations, what would
you be doing tomorrow?
2. What three wishes would you put at the top of your "wish list"?
3. What are your three biggest fears related to your life? Your success?
4. Which part of the day do you hate most?
5. If you received a present of 10 coaching sessions, what
sort of person would you like to be at the end of the 10th session?
At the outset of the process, the coach makes three important assumptions:
(1) the client is professionally competent,
(2) the
client is able to be creative and resourceful, and
(3) the client wants
to improve his or her abilities and performance.
The coach's
role is to help the client discover and clarify the changes he or she wants
to introduce into his or her professional or personal life. The coach believes
that the client will be able to accomplish the required changes with the
encouragement and guidance the coaching process delivers. Together with the
coach, the client travels along a road toward
self-assessment and discovery.
As with many other self-discovery processes, the solutions come from within.
The client needs the coach to assist with uncovering the inner thoughts
and abilities that may be hidden or covered over.
The Coaching Process
Usually the coaching process comprises 10 meetings. Typically, the client
chooses an issue to act as the focus of coaching, but this may change as
the process — and progress — occurs.
The client
gives two scenarios: the first of the present state, and the second of
where he or she would like to be in the future. Coaching encourages
the client to move from the first scenario to the second, supported by
the coach's efforts that consider the client's intentions, choices, and
actions.
At each meeting, the coach listens, asks questions, contributes observations,
and encourages the client to clarify and take action. Coaching encourages
the client to act with greater focus and awareness of choice.
Through coaching, managers can face the daily stresses
on the job without fighting, running away, or getting defensive. Coaching
sheds light on difficult situations and offers a confidential environment
to enhance positive and creative solutions
to challenging situations.
About the author:Tsafy
Simons is a qualified business and life coach, a graduate of the CoachME
College in Israel. Previously, she served as the head of education, culture,
and welfare in Kfar Vradim. She has more than 20 years' experience in education,
including teaching, project management, initiation of a high school for
drop-outs, lecturing, and training. Currently she has her own consultancy
in education, coaching, and training.
