What does a coaching topic look like?

There are as many coaching topics as there are people. However, here is a small sample of what a coaching topic could be:

1- Learn to work at strategic level. I find myself in the weeds all the time.

2- Being recognized for my own value. I feel like a doormat most of the time.

3- I want to move beyond my broken marriage/separation and enter a new chapter of my life

4- I wish to express myself with confidence and be true to me.

5- I do not want to be defensive all the time. I feel I always need to give reasons as to why I do the things I do.

6- How do I deal more effectively in difficult situation and with conflict?

7- I want to avoid “avoidance”. I have a difficult time having difficult conversations with my love one or difficult employees.

8- I want to work on being present and to find balance in my life.

9- I want to stop procrastinating. I never get to the important things I want to do.

10- I want to make a career decision, which will take into consideration balance and health.

11- I want to live as the fuller me!

12- I want to become more confident as a leader.

13- I am going through a transition in my life and I want to find enjoyment in what I do.

14- I want to communicate in a more open/inclusive manner that allows for others to feel a part of the process.

15- To be able to accomplish all my work/tasks in a reasonable amount of time and have more fun in life.

How will we know if our coaching is generating favourable results?

From the beginning of our coaching relationship, we will have agreed on a coaching program, which includes developmental objectives. We will have identified competencies needed for you meet those objectives. At regular intervals, we will review our program to see if we are on track in meeting our objectives, which will give us an indication as to whether we need to adjust the purpose of the program or the program. Through your work such as journaling, you are the best one to evaluate the value of the program for you. You are encouraged to keep a coaching journal so that you can monitor your progress. At any time, you are encouraged to bring forward your concerns so that we can make the necessary modifications to the program or end the coaching relationship.

What are the differences between coaching and therapy?

I would like to preamble any attempt at identifying the differences with this comment. When we are drawn in developmental and transformational work, we are “whole human beings”, in that when we work, for example, on our mental capacity or abilities, this part of us impacts all other areas of our being, may it be emotional, spiritual, physical. Therefore, in developing a competency within a coaching context will bring to light or expose susceptible aspects of us. This most likely will cause uneasiness, which is an indication that you might be outside your comfort zone. This could be an indication that you are moving through something resulting in considerable change.

Nonetheless, coaching focuses on the present and future. Therapy predominately focuses on the past and primarily emotional healing. Coaching is generally shorter in duration than therapy and requires the client’s on going and daily commitment and engagement in working on developmental objectives. Therapy will often focus on increasing the client’s awareness and on providing relief from discomfort or distress. Coaching empowers and enables clients by developing specific competencies.

I also wish to direct you to the integralcoachingcanada.com - resource area. You will find an article on the differences between Coach? Mentor? Leader? Manager? [English original]

Other information you should know as you consider coaching….