Is Coaching What You Think It Is? 4 characteristics of Good Coaching
We've been on a journey delving into the many types of valuable questions to ask each enneagram type. (You can check out our Bridges blog archive for coaching questions for any type.) Good coaching is not simply about choosing the right question there's so much more.
1) Coaching is about the journey represented in the Always Circle*
- There's always going to be stuff.
- God always offers a plan.
- We always make choices.
If we want to be active believers, we need to be growing followers of Jesus. This means there will always be a next step in our journey.
Good Coaching helps us see the next steps.
2) Coaching is NOT about telling people what to do. Life Coaching can have many meanings depending on who you talk to. Bridges Coaching adheres to the definition of coaching set by the International Coaching Federation and Christian Coaches Network International. This type of coaching is built on the pillars of Active Listening and Asking Powerful Questions.
A Good Coach is a thinking partner.
3) It's not just about the right question but must incorporate the right tone. This comes from the right mindset. If a coach asks questions in a way that makes the other person feel judged or guided in any way, they have taken a place of authority in the other person's life. Imagine, "What do you think could be your next step?" in two different tones. Mindset makes all the difference.
Good Coaching is curious, not diagnostic or prescriptive.
4) Good Coaching is like watching a good American movie. There is a plot that needs resolution. You may not know how it is going to resolve (and in fact, you shouldn't be able to know) but you actively believe that somehow, some way, the right things will happen. Good plots require risk and hard work and communication and all the components to come together. Plans are made and then adjustments are made as plot twists come along.
Good Coaching resolves as it goes along, one goal at a time, one step at a time.
*The Always Circle is exclusive to Bridges Caoching. To learn more about that and Active Listening and how to ask Powerful Questions, maybe it's time to consider Coach Training. There is a video training option or you can join a live coaching cohort resulting in Life Coach certification. Or start with our free Hundred+ Helpful questions list just to get you started.
The good news is the journey is always there for us if we choose to accept it!