The coaching video that I came across is an animation and it is two years old, yet it is very clear in its message of what coaching is. The video titled ‘How Coaching Works’
Produced by Coach Meg and Wellcoaches. It divides the coaching process into five stages. The first stage is the meeting. The individual appears to have been happily going on with life until they came across a hurdle they were unable to pass. Their life tangled up and caused them to visit a coach who agrees to help them untangle their life and get back on track. Stage two is titled ‘vision’.
The coach invites the individual to describe what they want to achieve, which in this case is to become their best self. In the ‘plan’ which is the third stage, the coach guides the individual by providing the tools but encouraging the individual to come up with the plan for themselves. Then stage four, ‘the journey’ begins with the coach still providing the tools to put the plan into action. With these tools being applied, the individual gets a clearer picture of where they want to go and how to get there.
As always, the coach is nearby providing assistance only where necessary. Where the individual falters and falls back, or moves too fast and gets burnt, the coach is there to catch them and encourage them to go on. The individual makes it to the point they wanted to achieve, and then parts ways with the coach at stage five which is titled success.
The video suggests that there is a continuation, but at this point it is clear that in life one sometimes comes to a point where they require coaching to guide them through issues or areas in their lives were they are stuck and cannot see the way forward.
Coaching can be defined as providing adequate guidance, direction, teaching, and encouragement to an individual or a group with the aim of attaining some goals or developing particular skills. A coach should be taken to be a friend and a director as opposed to a therapist. From the video, it is clear that the coach does not provide the answers to the individual’s problem, but rather guides them from the back. There is no interference in the individual’s journey, but more of a helping hand and support when the going gets tough. The coach is always available, and has the tools required by the individual, but these are only provided when absolutely necessary. The individual is encouraged to ‘try it on their own’ but under supervision.
Coaching occurs in various environments such as professional careers, sports, life, or education just to name a few. One professional environment where coaching occurs is the Bau-Treff community which is focused on the building industry. Their website has information ranging from where to buy materials, which materials work best in different conditions to the latest developments in the constructions industry. The site gives one access to experts who are available to provide assistance to those who require it.