HOW TO RECOGNIZE A PROFESSIONAL COACH?
15 March 2019
How to Recognize a Professional Coach?
Anyone can call themselves a coach. Coaching is not a protected profession. The question is whether everyone who calls themselves a coach is truly a coach. That is not always the case. Part of this is because the term 'coach' is often used for other roles.
This doesn't mean that as a coach, you can't or shouldn't fulfill other roles. However, it's important that this distinction is clear, both for yourself and for the client. Know what you're doing and consciously apply interventions. It's also important for the client to understand this distinction. For example, let's say my client is facing a situation of job loss and has some questions about it. Based on my HR background, I can help the client with these questions. In this case, I'm no longer the coach but the advisor. I could say, for instance, "I understand your questions. Shall we schedule a separate appointment for this? In that conversation, I won't be your coach but will be wearing a different hat, that of an advisor."
What is coaching?
Coaching is about providing specific support for an individual's growth process. The client sets the agenda, and the coach assists the client in achieving their goals. The client's goals are paramount.
The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as follows:
‘Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential, which is particularly important in today’s uncertain and complex environment. Coaches honor the client as the expert in his or her life and work and believe every client is creative, resourceful and whole.’
What roles is coaching often confused with?
Mentor
A mentor is a more experienced person who advises and guides a less experienced person based on their own knowledge and experience. A mentor might, for example, demonstrate how a certain machine works. Think of it as the master-apprentice principle.
Advisor
An advisor is someone who offers their knowledge and expertise in a specific field to others. An advisor might recommend how to act in a situation such as dismissal, managing administrative tasks, insuring against disability risk, etc.
Therapist
A therapist helps a client process past issues. Something needs to be healed. The therapist is the expert and determines the most effective form of therapy. In coaching, the client's goals are central. We assume that the client is naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. Nothing is 'broken,' so there's nothing to be healed. Coaching is future-oriented.
Insrtuctor
An instructor helps students prepare for the professional field. An instructor imparts knowledge, explains practical situations, teaches models, etc.
Manager
A manager leads, directs, and manages an individual or a team. They might use a coaching management style, but that's different from coaching as a profession.
How do you know if you're dealing with a professional coach?
A professional coach has undergone a solid professional training and has extensive experience in coaching. Furthermore, a professional coach is assessed and accredited by a recognized professional organization. Such a path often requires a significant investment in time, money, and a lot of practice!
Does this guarantee everything?
No, just like with most professions: there are no guarantees. A well-trained and experienced doctor can perform a bad surgery. An advisor can completely miss the mark. We are all human. Fortunately.
You don't have a guarantee, but you have a better chance of having a good coach if they are adequately trained, have relevant experience, and have demonstrated their competence. And of course, in all cases, the connection is crucial. This is about the strength of the coach-client relationship. So, if it doesn't feel right or if you're unsure: don't proceed!
- Moniek Janssen is the owner of Modus Coaching & Talent Development. This blog is a collaboration between iScreen and Modus Janssen, our associate partner.
