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Starting out in coaching?
Start strong: a beginner’s guide to coaching
Get expert advice to start your coaching career —from structuring sessions and listening, to confidentiality and essential skills for becoming a coach.
Your coaching questions, answered
What is coaching?
Coaching can be complicated to define due to its multifaceted nature. Bob Thomson, author of How to Coach, introduces you to the world of coaching.
Coaching or counselling: what is the difference?
Even though there are clear distinctions, coaching and psychotherapy share remarkable similarities. This table summarises the key differences and similarities between the two disciplines, making them easy to compare.
Why is listening an important coaching skill?
Most of us use the skill of listening almost every day, but what is different about listening as a coach? How can you listen in a way that encourages the coachee to think more deeply and communicate more openly?
What ethical principles should a coach consider during practice?
In this short extract, the authors explore the meaning of values and ethics and set out the ethical principles which should be at the forefront of every coach’s mind.
What does good coaching look like?
Hear from Christian van Nieuwerburgh, author of An Introduction to Coaching Skills, about best practices in coaching:
- Listen more than you speak
Listening to others is one way to show that you value them and respect their opinions. Often it's just a case of learning to keep quiet! - Encourage autonomy
People are more likely to flourish if they feel that they have choices. This means not telling people what you would do "if you were in their shoes". You're not. - Show an interest in others
Human beings are social animals. They want to be acknowledged on a personal level. Remember their names. Blagging it by calling people "dear" or "mate" is not helpful. - Provide positive feedback
Everyone likes to feel they are competent. Find opportunities to give genuine, positive feedback. Withhold unsolicited negative feedback. Nobody wants it. - Demonstrate your belief in others
When people share their dreams with you, be enthusiastic. Highlight any strengths or skills they already have that will help them achieve their aspirations. Be excited for them. - Help people identify meaningful goals
Life can be so busy these days that many of us can forget what is most important. Ask people what motivates them. Before quizzing others, make sure that you remind yourself what makes your own life meaningful.
How should the first coaching session be structured?
Managing the first session with a coachee can be challenging: several things need to happen to ensure its success. Read this 4-step plan for setting up an effective first meeting.