Common Key Elements in Coaching Practice

Coaching as a Structured Process

A recurring element in the various definitions of coaching is its conceptualization as a process.

This implies that it is not an isolated intervention or a one-time action, but a strategy consciously designed and structured by the coach.

To carry out this process, the coach develops an intervention plan that is divided into different stages or phases.

This plan serves as a roadmap, a reference that guides the coach's action throughout the relationship.

However, this plan is not rigid; it must be continually adapted as the process evolves and the client's needs change.

This processual and adaptive nature is fundamental to effectively accompany the client on his or her path of development and goal achievement.

Search for Meaning and Well-Being

Another central aspect of coaching is its focus on helping the client make sense of his or her experience and achieve greater well-being.

Through coaching, the client embarks on a process of self-reflection, using verbalization and dialogue as primary tools to search for meaning in his or her experiences, challenges and aspirations.

It is crucial to underline that it will never be the coach who provides or imposes meaning to the elements of the client's life.

The coach's role is to facilitate the process, but it is the client himself who must discover and construct that personal meaning.

The coach acts as a catalyst, offering tools and questions that guide the client in this inner search for meaning and purpose, which in turn contributes to greater overall well-being.

Establishing a Voluntary Helping Relationship

Coaching is based on the establishment of a specific helping relationship.

An essential condition for this relationship to be fruitful is that the client participates in the process on a voluntary basis, genuinely wishing to do so.

Coaching should not be imposed by a third party, such as a family member, or an organization, such as a company.

If the client does not perceive the process as valuable to him/herself, if he/she does not feel that it will bring significant benefits, under no circumstances should the intervention be initiated.

Intrinsic motivation and the client's voluntary commitment are the foundation on which an effective coaching partnership is built and real change is made possible.

Improving Quality of Life and Coping with Change

Finally, a cross-cutting objective in the practice of coaching is to improve the client's quality of life and foster success, both personally and professionally.

As we have seen above, people go through moments of crisis and change constantly throughout our existence.

Coaching offers valuable support in coping and adapting during these life transitions.

It helps individuals turn every change, even those that initially generate fear or uncertainty, into an opportunity for positive transformation.

Despite the natural fears that arise in the face of the unknown, coaching facilitates the development of internal resources to navigate these stages constructively. Note: From this point on, we will refer to the client as "coachee".

Summary

Coaching is conceived as a structured process involving a flexible and adaptable intervention plan by the coach. This is a roadmap for the client's development.

A central aspect is the focus on helping the client to make sense of his or her experience and achieve greater well-being. The coach facilitates the process, but it is the client who discovers and builds that personal meaning.

Coaching is based on a voluntary helping relationship and the intrinsic commitment of the client. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life, transforming change into a positive opportunity.