What is Coaching? Different Definitions and Perspectives

The Diversity of Definitions

Defining coaching in a univocal way is complex, since there are numerous definitions that vary significantly according to the school of thought that formulates it, the specific work approach it adopts, or the particular nuances it emphasizes.

It could be said that there are almost as many definitions as there are styles of structuring and exercising this practice.

Different bodies, both official and training schools, offer their own perspectives, each providing a particular view on the nature and purpose of coaching.

Despite this diversity, it is possible to identify common elements that help to understand its essence.

It is a scientifically based practice, composed of a variety of tools and techniques that are used to suit the specific needs of each individual.

Key Organizational Perspectives

Several leading organizations in the coaching world have proposed their definitions.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF), for example, describes it as an ongoing process of partnership that enables the client to achieve satisfactory results in his or her personal and professional life.

Through this process, the client deepens his or her knowledge, improves his or her performance and enhances his or her quality of life.

The Association for Coaching (ACC), for its part, emphasizes that coaching does not tell people what to do, but helps them to clarify and control their lives.

It assists them in eva luating their actions in relation to their goals, dreams and values, generating new options and overcoming mental blocks in a partnership relationship between coach and client.

The Société Française de Coaching (SFC) defines it as the accompaniment of individuals or teams to ensure the development of their potential and knowledge within the framework of their professional objectives.

This accompaniment favors awareness of their functioning in order to overcome situations.

Perspectives of Training Schools

Beyond the certifying bodies, different schools also contribute their vision.

The Spanish Coaching Association (Asesco) defines coaching as a personalized and confidential training process that uses tools to bridge the gap between a person's current situation and where they want to be.

It is considered an art that seeks to help people achieve the best of themselves in everything they desire, through an ongoing relationship.

It is a discipline that facilitates the achievement of goals and personal and professional development.

Sir John Whitmore, exponent of European coaching, sees it as the act of helping someone to think for themselves, to find their own answers and to discover their inner potential to achieve success in various areas of life.

The Argentine School of NLP conceptualizes it as a modality of transformation and learning applied to success, both in personal life and in the organizational environment, highlighting the interaction of the individual within a system.

Summary

Defining coaching in a univocal way is complex due to the variety of schools and approaches that exist in practice. However, there are common elements despite this diversity of views.

Coaching is an ongoing process that seeks to achieve satisfactory results in the client's personal or professional life. It consists of a partnership that deepens knowledge and improves performance.

Coaching does not provide solutions, but helps the client to clarify his life, to eva luate his actions and to overcome mental blocks. It is a personalized and confidential coaching process.