Other Relevant Philosophical Influences

Broadening the Philosophical Horizon

Beyond the fundamental contributions of the great classical Greek philosophers, modern coaching has also been enriched by drawing from a variety of other philosophical traditions, both Western and Eastern.

These currents bring complementary perspectives on human nature, growth potential, individual freedom, and relationship to the environment, all of which resonate deeply with the principles and practice of coaching.

Exploring these additional influences allows us to appreciate the breadth of the conceptual foundations on which the discipline is based.

Humanism and Self-Realization

Humanistic thought brings an optimistic view of the human being, advocating the idea that we are inherently "unfinished" and possess an intrinsic need for self-realization.

This perspective sees the individual not as a finished product of his or her circumstances, but as a being in a constant process of becoming, with latent potential waiting to be unfolded.

This notion is central to coaching, which operates under the premise that the coachee has within him or herself the resources and capacity to grow, overcome limitations and achieve his or her aspirations.

The coach acts as a facilitator in this process of discovery and actualization of potential, helping the client to move towards his or her own version of self-realization.

Existentialism and the Freedom of Transformation

Existentialism, on the other hand, places a strong emphasis on the fundamental freedom of human beings and their ability to make choices that define their essence and their path.

It holds that we are not predetermined by our past or by external circumstances, but that at any moment we can choose to transform ourselves and give new meaning to our existence.

This philosophy emphasizes individual responsibility for the creation of one's own life.

In coaching, this principle is reflected in the empowerment of the coachee to take ownership of his or her choices and actions.

He is encouraged to recognize his capacity to change, to redefine his goals and to consciously act towards the desired transformation, regardless of previous circumstances.

Zen Philosophy and Taoism: Harmony and Flow

From the East, Zen philosophy and Taoism bring valuable concepts such as the notion of harmony with the environment and the importance of flowing with the natural course of events.

These traditions emphasize awareness of the present moment, acceptance and the search for a dynamic balance between the individual and his or her context.

In coaching, these ideas can be related to the development of mindfulness.

This involves fostering the coachee's ability to be present to his or her experiences and to observe his or her thoughts and emotions without judgment.

This practice helps to find more fluid and less conflicting ways of interacting with their reality.

Fostering a sense of inner and outer harmony can be key to reducing stress, improving decision making and facilitating more natural progress toward goals.

These diverse philosophical influences, taken together, provide coaching with a rich and multifaceted foundation for understanding and facilitating human development.

Summary

Humanism brings an optimistic view, advocating the idea that the human being is "unfinished" and has an intrinsic need for self-actualization. The coach facilitates this process of actualization of potential.

Existentialism stresses the fundamental freedom to make decisions and transform oneself. Coaching empowers the coachee to take ownership of his or her choices and act consciously.

Zen philosophy and Taoism bring the notion of harmony with the environment and the importance of flowing with events. This relates to the development of mindfulness for decision making.