My Consultant's Take on Coaching: Unleashing the Power of Change

As I've been finishing up my in-depth training leading to a new certification, I've been asked to reflect on and develop my vision for my coaching work. Having worked as a consultant for the past eight years, it has become crucial for me to design a clear coaching practice. Coaching has turbocharged my consulting career, allowing me to fully embrace my role in facilitating transformation. I've had the privilege of assisting a variety of managers in implementing changes in their daily lives and ambitions, helping them become agents of change in their own right. In today's world, this has become a critical skill.

However, I've noticed that the expectations of my consulting clients and coaching clients are radically different. Yet, they both seek the same qualities in me as their guide.

As part of this self-reflective exercise, I realised that it was not only beneficial for my own understanding, but it was also something that I wanted to share with you all. I know that many consultants are interested in learning and using coaching tools with integrity. So, here it is - a glimpse into my personal coaching approach. I'm interested to know what you think and where you stand in this deep transformation of our roles as transformation consultants.

Coaching, as a profession, distinguishes itself primarily through its focus on future-oriented goal setting, self-discovery, and personal growth. It's a catalyst for change, the spark that sets the wheels of transformation in motion. It is the prime mover that leads to action, enabling individuals to turn thoughts and dreams into tangible realities. In essence, it's like practical magic.

We are living in challenging times, where the health of our planet is at risk, and the proliferation of information and the advent of social media have created a divide amongst people. The fast-paced lifestyle of the modern world, where we often find ourselves in a constant race against time and money, can lead us to overlook the importance of maintaining a strong and reliable relationship with ourselves. In these turbulent times, coaching emerges as a beacon of hope, a tool of empowerment that can help individuals navigate the complexities of life.

Coaching empowers individuals to become self-aware, helping them to identify their strengths, resources, and constraints. With this newfound self-awareness, individuals are better equipped to create the kind of world they want to live in, a world they look forward to waking up in every morning.

This process of self-discovery and self-awareness is not just about individual growth. It has the power to shape more resilient and more caring individuals, who can contribute positively to their communities and the world at large. Coaching is a catalyst for change; it's a subtle yet powerful revolution that has the potential to change the world, one conversation at a time.

What makes coaching truly magical is its ability to spur action. It's not just about introspection and self-discovery; it's about making real, meaningful changes in our lives. A coaching conversation can inspire someone to take that first step towards their dream, to overcome that hurdle that's been holding them back, or to make that difficult decision they've been putting off. It brings thoughts, ideas, and dreams out of the realm of the abstract and into the real world. It turns potential into reality.

Unlike therapy, which often focuses on healing past traumas, coaching is about looking forward and creating a plan to achieve personal and professional ambitions. Unlike consulting, where the consultant provides expertise and advice, coaching is non-directive and empowers the client to find their own solutions. Finally, unlike mentoring, which often involves someone with experience guiding a less experienced individual, coaching is a partnership between equals. The coach facilitates the client's self-discovery and decision-making process, empowering them to take control of their journey.

In practice, this differentiation can be clarified to clients through a simple comparison chart or a metaphor. For instance, you can use a metaphor of a journey. If life is a journey, a therapist helps you when you're stuck in the past, a consultant gives you a map, a mentor walks with you showing the path they took, and a coach empowers you to choose your own path and supports you along the way.

I am a firm believer in the transformative power of coaching. It has the potential to shape a better future and significantly enhance any work where you have an impact. I see its benefits in my own career every day. It has provided a remarkable boost and distinct advantage.

Coaching, with its focus on self-awareness, resilience, and connection, is a tool I am eager to promote. I believe it has the potential to change the world, one conversation at a time. Practical, actionable, and deeply transformative, coaching is a powerful catalyst for change and progress.

Voila 😉

What’s your take on coaching?