Answers to Questions about Coaching

These are some questions posed by the media with responses outlined in the July 2008 International Coach Federation newsletter:

Can anyone be a coach?

Yes, coaching is a field that anyone can be trained in.  Like other occupational choices, it requires time and dedication.  The International Coach Federation lists accredited coaching programs.

How would you describe the process of coaching?

"Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential."

What situations would coaching be used for?

There are many reasons that an individual or team might choose to work with a coach, including but not limited to:

• There is something at stake (a challenge, stretch goal or opportunity), and it is urgent, compelling, or exciting or all of the above;

• There is a gap in knowledge, skills, confidence, or resources;

• A big stretch is being asked for or required, and it is time sensitive;

• There is a desire to accelerate results;

• There is a lack of clarity, and there are choices to be made;

• The individual is extremely successful, and success has started to become problematic;

• Work and life are out of balance, and this is creating unwantd consequences;

• One has not identified his or her core strengths and how best to leverage them;

• The individual desires work and life to be simpler, less complicated; or

• There is a need and a desire to be better organized and more self-managing.