Is Coaching Right for You?
What Coaching Is:
The coaching relationship is a powerful partnership between the coach and the participant where the participant sets the agenda and learns through action. Coaching is forward moving, and the coach assists the participant in creating a vision for the future. The coach asks tough questions and helps the participant create space to discover the answers.
“Coaching is the art and practice of guiding a person or group from where they are toward the greater competence and fulfillment that they desire.” Gary Collins
What Coaching is Not:
Coaching is not counseling, therapy, consulting, mentoring, or a form of discipleship. The coach is not the “expert” and does not give advice.The participant is healthy, motivated, creative, and resourceful.
We have found it critical for participants to understand the forward moving component of coaching. This forward movement is what distinguishes coaching from counseling. For example, if you have experienced past sexual abuse, and you have not been able to move forward in certain areas of your life due to the hurt and pain of this abuse, then counseling would be a better fit for you. Also, if you are in the midst of grieving a loved one, counseling may be a better fit at this time.
Looking Back:
Before you embark on this journey, consider the following questions:
Are you able to talk about things in your life (past and present) without experiencing intense pain?
Is your life one of forgiveness toward the people who have wounded or hurt you?
Are you paralyzed by the painful and hurtful events in your past?
Are you able to explore what you made the past events to mean instead of being stuck on the actual events or series of events?
Are you able to see God’s redemptive purposes instead of dwelling on the pain?
If you are unable to say yes to these questions, it is possible that coaching is not the right fit for you at this time. However, it may be a great fit in the future once you have looked into the past and dealt with the painful and paralyzing wounds.
Looking Forward:
If the past is no longer stepping on the heels of the present, consider these questions:
Do you have places in your life that you would like to work but are not sure where to start?
How would life look different if you worked on these things?
Would you be willing to change where needed and do things differently?
If these questions resonate with you, maybe coaching is a fit.
“The coach’s job is to help you think more clearly, to push you to go deeper and reach higher, to provide the structure you need to stay focused on the agenda you’ve chosen.” Tony Stoltzfus
What Next?
Please know that these questions are for you to be able to gauge your readiness for coaching. If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact Robin Fuller @ coachrobinfuller@gmail.com to set up a consult.