Becoming a Better Coach

As a coach, you are likely well-aware that coaching is not synonymous with ‘giving advice’ – after all, why would clients approach you for something they could be getting for free from friends and family? Coaching is more complex than simply giving advice, and revolves around guidance, planning, and goal-setting.

With many people at home due to the different existing COVID-19 variants and people in quarantine feeling isolated again, this could be a welcome opportunity for coaches to connect with clients needing direction. For rookie life coaches looking to expand their knowledge, here are a few tips to becoming a better coach efficiently and effectively.

Differentiate coaching from advising

Before falling into the trap of telling clients what to do, learn to WAIT (Why Am I Telling?) instead. Rather than focusing on yourself, change your approach into how you can help your clients grow and develop into the best version of themselves.

Encourage to do things differently

We all go through wins and losses in life. But by thoughtfully shifting “losing” to “learning” opens a whole different perspective. Encourage your clients to focus on learning and adaptation for future behaviour to bring them closer to their goals.

Formulate a positive outlook

Rather than focusing on the negative stuff, shift into positive gear and learn to bask in the brighter side instead. Teach your clients how to view the silver lining in even the most negative of situations and instill in them an attitude of a positive mindset no matter what situation presents itself.

Intention triumphs over expertise

Not everybody wants to hear about your extensive background and experience. Focus on establishing your intentions instead and educate your clients that in being able to reap positive results, working together will be the first step.

Question often and seek answers

When having a conversation with your clients, it’s important to ask questions in order to come up with a variety of solutions. But the secret remains in the manner of silence before answering allowing for a deeper and thoughtful dialogue.

Instill confidence

A good coach will have an ear for critical conversations. Carefully take note of their strengths and learn to highlight them, compliment them and nurture them to address any future challenges that may present itself.

Know your limits

Being an effective coach means knowing where your scope of practice ends. Practicing outside of your scope, or not providing appropriate referrals when a client’s needs exceed your capacities is unethical and inherently dangerous. Putting the client’s wellness and safety first can sometimes mean providing the client with resources to seek alternative supports and potentially return to coaching when appropriate.

About Coach4You

Are you a Life Coach who could benefit from additional support and resources to better serve your clients? Interested in strengthening your skill sets and addressing skill/training gaps to become a more confident, competent coach? If you are hoping to receive non-judgmental, focused, and comprehensive support from a coach for coaches, Coach4you is a comprehensive supervisory and support service for Life Coaches, providing support for coaches in domains of leadership, business, career, and life coaching. Coach4You provides supervision and guidance for client consultation, and provides information and insight into training opportunities to address skill gaps. Coach4You strives to provide support and resources to Life Coaches with the goal of maintaining a high standard of ethical and informed practice.

To learn more, visit www.coach4you.ca now!