Coaching is not a therapy

To engage professionally in life coaching, it is crucial to develop a set of prior skills to effectively manage each session with clients. This is essential to optimize results and meet their needs. Life coaching is a multidisciplinary profession; therefore, it is not enough to study only what is related to coaching, but other areas must also be incorporated to become a comprehensive specialist.

In this guide, we will address some of the most important skills that every aspiring life coach must develop to meet a minimum standard of efficiency and stand out from the competition.

Communication skills

Communication skills are essential for any coach, as they will enhance the message and ensure that it has the greatest impact on clients. The ability to speak in public, listen actively and explain complex content clearly are key aspects of a good communicator.

Developing communication skills takes time and a lot of practice. It is not easy to interact with strangers if we are not used to it; it is important to get out of our comfort zone and face these scenarios gradually. Some people have an easier time with these tasks, but no matter how difficult it is at first, it all depends on how much effort you put into your daily development.

Take every opportunity to hone your skills. Don't get frustrated if you find it difficult at first; many great communicators started out as introverts who worked hard to improve their social skills.

You don't need to aspire to give a lecture in front of a hundred people without your voice shaking from the first month. Take small steps to help you gain confidence.

Marketing skills

We must not forget that our work as a coach is also a business. In such a competitive market, it is not enough to be very good at what we do. If we are not able to market ourselves and reach our target client, our coaching skills will not get us a job.

Dedicating yourself to offering a service to the public implies knowing how to manage and administer basic aspects such as sales, which are essential to maintain sustainability and continue using our knowledge to help others in an efficient way.

Empathy and concern for our customers

The way we relate to our customers reflects our motivation for engaging in this profession. Starting out without understanding that we deal with people and not products can lead to a degradation of the human aspect of our daily practice.

People who come to us seek advice, but also affection, understanding and empathy. Although they pay for our services, they want to see a genuine interest, that we recognize their situation and not just worry about getting paid.

Show a real interest in meeting your clients' needs and the benefits will follow. The treatment you offer is one of the biggest differentiators against the competition. A proper follow-up to your customers' problems and a sincere connection to solve them will leave a positive impression and give you a significant advantage in the market.