Hi, this is Brian O’Brien again. Today we’re going to talk about how coach “works”…..what is the coaching process…..even, find out if there IS a coaching process.
It is my opinion that there IS a process to coaching. However, just like any other endeavor, some people are process people. Others are not. Some people find a process in the smallest of activities….others lean more toward going with the flow.
I happen to be one of the “process” people.
Additionally, I believe that many (note here that I’m clearly NOT saying all people…or even most….merely many) people are process oriented as well….and they are comforted by a coach who follows a process as well.
The next question needs to be, however, does following a coaching process mean that the coach is just asking the client a rigid series of question…with no “humanity”? One of my foundational beliefs is that coaching is all about the client….so, can a process meet the needs of my clients. Absolutely!!! The process doesn’t have to be rigid….the process merely has to be fluid…flexible…addressing the directions and movement of the client. Cool, huh?
So, how do you construct a process which is fluid and doesn’t look like software coding from Microsoft™? The trick is….establish a reliable and predictable outcome for a series of logical steps. Anticlimactic, huh? And, what does it really mean?
Well, first the coach has to understand that another of the principles of coaching is constantly moving the client toward the desired (THEIR desired) outcome. Therefore, if a goal can be identified and it doesn’t matter what the goal is…that’s an outcome. But, there are many steps that have to be performed prior to reaching that goal…and each step has an outcome. But (now hang in there with me on this one!!) the outcome from each previous step is the same as the input to the next step. Then, as the coach moves the client from one outcome to the next, the coach and the client are following a process.
If the process is predictable….then (now here comes another principle of coaching) that predictable process can be taught. If it can be taught, it can be learned. If it can be learned…..then the coach can teach the client, the client can learn the process…and the client can take that learning away from the coaching conversation…and CONTINUE to improve their lives…even AFTER the coaching conversation.
THAT is the beauty of a coaching process; the process can be communicated to the client. That is the true value of coaching….providing the client with tools to use AFTER the coaching experience.
And, I want to be of tremendous value to my clients….now to you, as well.
Hope this all makes sense to you. You might have to read it once or twice to get it. Once you do, I have a gift for you. If you believe coaching can be a process….sign up for my email list at www.Myriad-PSI.com, send me an email at Brian@Myriad-PSI.com that you have signed up…and I’ll send you a complete MAP of the coaching process that I’ve developed. We’ll talk more about the exact process during the next blog.
I practice what I preach. So will you…☺
Have a great holiday and I’ll continue this blog again soon.
Warmly,
Brian
