What Does a Coach Really Do?

“Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.” – John Whitmore

What Does a Coach Really Do? At a recent networking event, I was asked what coaching is and how it works.

Instead of a standard explanation, I offered to walk someone through my process. Here’s a glimpse of how I approach coaching, starting with creating a comfortable environment and guiding clients toward solutions.

How My Coaching Process Works

• Creating a Safe Space: The first step is to invite you to a quiet, private space where you can truly be yourself—no distractions, just a relaxed environment with a coffee or tea. It’s important to be in a setting where you feel comfortable and safe.

That is why I have a private, comfortable office where clients can feel completely safe and relaxed. Every time they return to this environment, they get into a state conducive to relaxation and creative work.

The environments we surround ourselves in must be consciously and strategically chosen to ensure our best work. My office provides a magical atmosphere and presence for executives to do their best work during a coaching session.

• Open Dialogue: Once we’re in this private space, we start talking. I ask open-ended questions to help you express your challenges, goals, and concerns. This conversation is key to identifying the real issue and how I can best support you.

We discuss all the different areas of your life to get a good picture of what could be the real cause of your presenting symptoms. Taking time in this part of the process is paramount to the success of the coaching session.

Symptoms in one area of your life don't mean the root cause of the problem is in the same area. In many cases, it's different.

The client gets so many benefits (stress reduction, clarity of mind, awareness, aha moments, and a powerful boost of energy) by participating in this open dialogue. It's already starting to unlock solutions in the client's mind, and these solutions float up to the surface to be captured and applied.

• Guiding the Process: Through a series of thoughtful questions, I guide you to explore solutions you may not have considered. My role is to help you unlock answers within yourself, not to give advice but to facilitate self-discovery.

In certain areas of the conversation, I will stop to go deeper and offer more awareness to the client regarding their challenges. Unlocking key components of the cause of the problem transitions into client solutions.

I'm continually observing the client's nonverbal communication to identify alignment or misalignment with their verbal communication. We are communicating not just with the conscious mind but also the subconscious mind.

During our conversation, I need to confirm the match between verbal and nonverbal communication before we can proceed to the next point.

It's striking to see the client's demeanour shift towards the end of the session. Their energy goes through the roof, and they completely shift their posture with a big smile on their face. You just know they are ready to leave the office to take action.

• Ongoing Support & Accountability: Once we've identified a path forward, I provide the support and accountability needed to ensure you follow through on the actions we outline together.

I will ask the executive client, based on our conversation today, what one, two, or three tasks you will commit to and take action upon before our next session.

Once they have identified those three tasks, we will set up an accountability schedule to ensure their completion.

In our next session, these three tasks will be the topic of our initial conversation.

The Coaching Difference

Coaching is much more than simply offering advice. It's about creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore challenges, unlock new perspectives, and discover solutions within yourself.

By guiding you through thoughtful questions and providing ongoing support and accountability, I help you achieve meaningful progress in both your personal and professional life.

Your Coaching Journey Starts Here

Ready to experience the transformative power of coaching? If you're facing challenges or simply want to unlock your full potential, I invite you to schedule a free consultation. Let's sit down, have a coffee, and begin the journey toward your best self.

Reach out today and take the first step!

Paul Simos is an accomplished Executive Life Coach, Health Coach, and Certified Trainer. His fundamental belief about his clients frames how they work together: They already have everything they need to succeed. His role as a coach is stimulating and challenging his clients to unlock their successful beliefs, skills, and behaviour patterns. LinkedIn.

Resources:

1) NLP For Modern Leaders & Communicators - November 2024 Workshop

2) 10 Situations That Call For A Coach – Newsletter.

3) Complimentary Coaching Session - Newsletter.

4) 90-Day Holistic Performance Program For Executives.