Conceptual Summary: Defining the Coaching Process

Circular and Dialogic Process

To recap the introductory concepts, it is essential to define coaching as a process that is circular, not linear, in nature.

This means that it does not follow a rigid sequence of steps, but rather adapts and flows according to emerging needs.

Its fundamental basis lies in a dialogical relationship established between two key figures: the coach (the professional who guides) and the coachee or client (the person seeking change).

This conversational interaction is the primary vehicle through which ideas are explored, perspectives are challenged and new paths to desired goals are constructed. The dynamic is collaborative and focused on the co-creation of solutions.

Fundamental Objective: Coachee Autonomy

The primary purpose of any coaching process is to enable the coachee to achieve a deep understanding of his or her own specific problem or difficulty. It is not about the coach diagnosing or solving the problem for the client.

Instead, the focus is on empowering the coachee to learn to deal with his or her challenges autonomously.

The coach acts as a facilitator who, through questions and tools, helps the client to mobilize his own internal resources, identify his strengths and develop the strategies necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals on his own. Autonomy is therefore a key expected outcome.

Constructive and Supportive Space

We can conceive of a coaching process as a safe space dedicated to construction and harmonization.

It is based on a genuine helping relationship, where the coach provides the necessary support and structure for the coachee to explore and move forward.

This space facilitates the path towards change, understood as a way to improve the quality of life and the achievement of personal and professional success, according to the terms defined by the client.

It is a collaborative environment focused on generating positive and sustainable results.

Multidisciplinary and Complementary Foundations

Coaching does not emerge in a vacuum, but is built and based on notions and tools from multiple complementary disciplines.

It draws from fields such as psychology, philosophy, sociology and organizational theory, integrating concepts and techniques in a pragmatic way to serve its objectives.

It is also important to recognize that there are other helping processes designed to assist people in times of life difficulty.

While these processes may complement coaching, they differ from it in crucial aspects such as the philosophy of departure (e.g., focus on pathologies vs. development of potential) or the stance taken toward particular issues.

Focus on Tools, Not Straightforward Knowledge

Finally, a key distinction of coaching is that it does not seek to transmit knowledge directly, as a trainer or consultant would.

Its primary goal is to provide tools and facilitate a process for the individual to discover what he or she needs to resolve his or her particular situation and achieve his or her defined goals.

The coach guides the exploration, but the answers and solutions emerge from the coachee, thus ensuring greater ownership and sustainability of the change.

The power lies in the client's ability to find their own answers with the right support.

Summary

Coaching is a circular process based on a dialogue between coach and coachee to explore ideas and build solutions. It does not follow a rigid sequence, but adapts to emerging needs.

The primary purpose is to enable the coachee to gain a deep understanding of his or her difficulty and to learn to cope with it autonomously. The coach is a facilitator who mobilizes internal resources.

The process is a safe and constructive space focused on generating change for the improvement of the quality of life. It is based on multiple disciplines (psychology, philosophy) but does not transmit direct knowledge.