What Makes 'Observe and Challenge' More Relevant than 'Monitor and Evaluate' in Coaching?

As a professional coach, my primary focus is consistently finding ways to provide impactful and effective support to my clients. Recently, I came across an article discussing that role of a business coach is to monitor and evaluate client's progress. While these aspects are undoubtedly valuable, they may align more with mentoring rather than the pure coaching approach.

"Observe and Challenge" mindset

In the realm of coaching, it becomes essential to embrace an "observe and challenge" mindset, rather than slip into "monitor and evaluate." Why? Because coaching is fundamentally about empowering clients to take full responsibility for their development and results. This empowerment is fostered through provocative and open communication, aimed at unlocking the client's potential, exploring their capabilities, and guiding them to discover their own solutions. The coaching process revolves around promoting self-awareness, self-discovery, and self-directed actions.

Who is responsible?

Now, the question arises, who is responsible for monitoring and evaluation if it's not the coach's role? There are two options:

Option one, and arguably the best, is that the evaluation and monitoring of progress lies with the client themselves. Taking ownership of this responsibility can lead to increased self-awareness and a deeper sense of accountability.

Option two is to involve the client's manager in this role. Since the client's direct superior is typically responsible for overall business results, including this person in the process from a systemic point of view might be a natural fit.

From "monitoring" to "observing"

Shifting from "monitoring" to "observing" allows us to create a space where clients can take the driver's seat in their development journey. By keenly observing their progress and experiences, we can offer powerful reflections that encourage deeper thinking and self-awareness. This, in turn, fosters a sense of autonomy and accountability that is essential for sustainable change.

From "evaluating" to "challenging"

Similarly, rather than "evaluating" our clients' actions, a pure coaching approach involves "challenging" them to explore new perspectives, embrace discomfort, and venture beyond their comfort zones. This process empowers clients to tap into their own wisdom and uncover solutions that may have been dormant within them. The art of asking thought-provoking questions inspires transformative shifts in mindset and behavior.

References

Research in the field of coaching supports this approach. Studies have shown that coaching interventions emphasizing self-directed learning and exploration lead to more profound and sustained behavioral changes in clients (Grant, 2003). Moreover, a study by The International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring found that clients who receive coaching with an emphasis on self-discovery and autonomy reported higher levels of satisfaction and increased motivation to achieve their goals (De Haan, Duckworth, Birch, Jones, & Long, 2013).

Pure coaching approach

Incorporating a pure coaching approach not only enhances the impact of our coaching practice but also fosters a sense of empowerment and self-reliance in our clients. By observing and challenging them to unlock their potential, we ignite a transformative journey that is truly owned and driven by the individuals we serve.

Let's continue to evolve as coaches, embracing the true essence of coaching by empowering our clients to become the architects of their success.