Vos Questions - Coaching

What is a coach / what is the role of a coach?

In his book "The Inner Game of Tennis" written in 1974, Timothy Gallwey, one of the founding fathers of coaching, uses the example of tennis to explain that success in any situation depends not only on an "outer game" - that is, an external game with an opponent - but also on an "inner game," an internal game that you play against yourself.

The coach is that person who helps you access your "inner game" to better understand how you currently operate and especially how your inner game prevents you from achieving the goals you set for yourself. This inner game encompasses both all the resources you have available as well as "interferences" such as your beliefs, fears, values, and unmet needs that block you in daily life. Becoming aware of these interferences and wanting to modify them will allow you to unlock your potential. The coach is therefore a potential liberator, a partner, a motivator.

How does a coaching session unfold?

During a session, the person being coached arrives with an issue they wish to work on that is connected to the overall objective established together during the first session.

During this session, the coach and their client together set an objective and try to better understand what resources are available to the client, which ones they still need to develop, and what obstacles are preventing the client from reaching them. Through the coach's caring approach and powerful questioning, the client develops new awareness that allows them to move forward toward achieving their overall objective.

What is a coaching cycle?

A coaching cycle is a set of 6 to 8 sessions following a strict code of ethics and protocol where an individual commits to discussing a situation subject with their coach because they are seeking solutions to transform it into something positive.

The coach commits to respecting the confidentiality of information exchanged and to establishing a trusting relationship with their client. The person being coached is responsible for the actions chosen and for implementing these actions. Without this strong commitment, coaching will produce few results.

During the first session, the coach and their client discuss the situation together in detail and agree on a general objective and 3 sub-objectives that will serve as a framework for how the sessions unfold.

What are the benefits of being coached?

  • Having a secure, confidential space allowing you to express yourself freely and authentically

  • Unconditional support

  • New awareness through attentive listening, non-judgment, and the coach's questioning

  • A reconnection with yourself by helping you listen to your emotions, identify your resources and obstacles

  • Strengthened self-confidence by encouraging you to implement small (or large) actions

  • Be supported by a positive mindset and a constructive approach

Differences between a coach and a psychologist

COACH

PSYCHOLOGIST

Objective

Understand the origin of problems accuring in order to prevent them from recurring

Achieve an objective and implementing an action plan to reach it.

Timeline

Past

Present and futur

Emotional expressions

Anger, sadness, frustration, vulnerability, authenticity, acceptance, understanding

Serenity, calm, joy, energy, perseverance, responsibility, autonomy, hope

Keywords

Better understanding and acceptance of the origin of problems

Encouraging the person to act, identify solutions to their problems themselves and thus be in control of their life