Why is a professional coach necessary?

Generally, we find it difficult to look at ourselves objectively, and sometimes we have no idea how others see us either. We do not take the time to self-analyze; we are so busy living that we only react to our environment without seriously reflecting on the causes and consequences of our actions.

Perhaps we don't know how to self-analyze, we don't have the right tools, or we weren't brought up that way. Be that as it may, when we feel blocked, we doubt the path to follow, or we lack motivation, we really need someone to be a mirror and show us who we are, to listen to us and make us reflect on the path we are taking.

A professional coach is trained for this. They not only have the ability, but also the willingness to accompany people in their process of change. It is someone who sees our potential, helps us discover our strengths and weaknesses, and bring out the best we have to offer. It is someone to whom we are accountable when we follow the plan we set out and who, at the same time, gives us encouragement.

Today, we can find a coach for any area of our lives, whether in our personal projects or in business.

Emergence and background of coaching

The word "coach" is an English term that has its etymological origin in Hungary in the 15th century and refers to a new type of carriage created at that time (kocsi). Over time, it has evolved to define an increasingly in-demand specialty that helps people move from one point to another in their personal or professional lives.

A closer use began in the 20th century, with coach as a sports trainer and the English verb "to coach" for the activity of training. In this context, the coach accompanies athletes, and together they work on developing skills and achieving their goals.

One of the most important antecedents of coaching is the book "The Inner Game of Tennis", whose author, Timothy Gallwey, discusses what goes on in the mind of an athlete and how the inner game (doubts, fears and distractions) determines triumph or defeat. Gallwey is the creator of a coaching method that has transcended the sports arena and has been used in business, education and health.

The origins of coaching go back to ancient Greece, with the rise of Greek philosophy and thinkers such as Pythagoras, Plato and Socrates. Socrates' method of Maieutics, which seeks clarity and self-awareness through a process of questions that invite reflection and help to find answers in oneself, has been taken from the latter.

In coaching, many fields of knowledge have converged with the purpose of maximizing personal and professional potential. Currently, this discipline draws from sources such as psychology, neuroscience, ontology, social sciences, business development, emotional intelligence and philosophy, among others.

All this knowledge is used to develop human potential through learning, awareness and individual responsibility, where the mind is trained to achieve our goals, improve performance, acquire new skills and achieve a higher quality of life.

In this process, the coach is the guide and the coachee or client is the protagonist.