Even though coaching has almost become a buzz word these days, there is often a lack of understanding what a coach really does.

First of all, a coach is not a therapist – thank heavens! Also, a coach does not tell the client what to do. Lastly, a coach may not even be an expert in your particular field or profession.

The coaching relationship is very unique: Coach and client work together over a period of time, usually between three to six months, to achieve the client’s objectives. The program is all about the client’s agenda.

A great coach has the ability to leave his or her own agenda out of the sessions, to be fully present to the client and to work with the client in a non-judgmental way.

Also crucial for a great working relationship between coach and client is trust, the coach’s professionalism, integrity and guaranteed confidentiality.

In the course of a coaching program, a coach takes on multiple roles. He or she is the client’s mentor, someone who believes in the client and helps to set big, inspiring goals. The coach is also a manager in the sense of being strategic about reaching the client’s objectives.

The coach takes on the role of a sports coach who has the benefit of an objective perspective. He or she is able to see the client’s blind spots. This is often about finding the crucial small difference that will lead to a huge change in results. Without that specific input, a client often does not see what he or she needs to do differently.

Lastly, the coach is in a sense a personal trainer, someone who will cheer on the client to achieve more than the client would without the strategic support.

It’s not really ‘see it to believe it’ – it is ‘experience it to understand it’.