What is Coaching?
The first time it was ever used, the word coach described a horse-drawn vehicle – a stage coach that would get people from where they were to where they wanted to be. A modern bus does the same thing and often these vehicles are called coaches. Most often today, coaches are people who help athletes and teams move from one place to another, to a place that is better and where they want to be.
BUT... coaches also help musicians, public speakers and actors who rely on coaching to improve their skills, overcome obstacles, remain focused, and get to where they want to be.
Today, coaching is very popular in business and corporate settings around the world where “executive coaches” help managers and other business leaders deal with change, develop new management styles, make wise decisions, become more effective, cope with their hyperactive lifestyles and deal with stress. Executive coaches work with people in business to help them
move from where they are to levels where they can be more competent, fulfilled and confident, something they would not have attained otherwise.
In summary, coaches guide people from where they are toward the greater competence and fulfillment they desire.
Christian coaching is the art and practice of working with a person or group in the process of moving from where they are to where God wants them to be, helping to align their life with God’s unique plan & purposes for them.
BUT... coaches also help musicians, public speakers and actors who rely on coaching to improve their skills, overcome obstacles, remain focused, and get to where they want to be.
Today, coaching is very popular in business and corporate settings around the world where “executive coaches” help managers and other business leaders deal with change, develop new management styles, make wise decisions, become more effective, cope with their hyperactive lifestyles and deal with stress. Executive coaches work with people in business to help them
move from where they are to levels where they can be more competent, fulfilled and confident, something they would not have attained otherwise.
In summary, coaches guide people from where they are toward the greater competence and fulfillment they desire.
Christian coaching is the art and practice of working with a person or group in the process of moving from where they are to where God wants them to be, helping to align their life with God’s unique plan & purposes for them.
Why would anybody want a coach?
Coaching helps people who want to:
- Get unstuck
- Build their confidence
- Expand their vision for the future
- Fulfill their dreams
- Unlock their potential
- Increase their skills
- Move through transitions
- And, take practical steps toward their goals.
How does Coaching differ from Counselling?
Unlike counselling or therapy, coaching is less threatening, less concerned about problem solving, and more inclined to help people reach their potential.
- Coaching is not for people who need therapy to overcome painful influences from the past. Coaches help people build vision and move toward the future.
- Coaching is not about looking back. It’s about looking ahead.
- Coaching is not about healing. It’s about growing.
- Coaching focuses less on overcoming weaknesses and more on building skills and strengths.
- Coaching is usually less formal than the counsellor-counsellee relationship. More often than not, it is a partnership between two equals, one of whom has experiences, perspectives, skills or knowledge that can be useful to the other.