Definition of coaching

There are many definitions of coaching to choose from. 

Here is a selection that reflect my own ethos and philosophy.  These definitions also compliment my training and practical background in the development of self and others: 

v      Coaching removes any constraints on achievement and happiness and helps you build for the future.  Ian McDermott 

v      The word coaching originated in the world of sport, but now coaching is a distinct profession, clearly different from counselling, training, mentoring, therapy, or consultancy.  What is remarkable is its sheer power and versatility. Coaching will help you perform a new task, improve your performance in your chosen profession, develop a new skill or solve a problem.  In more general terms, many people are turning to coaches to find direction and balance.  Joseph O’Connor 

v      Coaching is unlocking people’s potential to maximise their own performance.  It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.  John Whitmore  

v      A coach is someone who tells you
what you don’t want to hear,
who has you see
what you don’t want to see,
so you can be
who you have always known you could be.”
(Tom Landry 

 v      A good definition of coaching is: “inspiring an individual or team to produce a desired result through personalized teaching, expanding awareness and designing environments for sustainable success”. 

v      Coaching is ideal for ANYONE who has a goal, desire or challenge where learning from an experienced guide would help. 

v      Coaching teaches you that you can influence others, but you can only change yourself and that’s where the focus stays.  Eileen Mulligan 

v      Coaching enables you to focus your thoughts, actions and time so that you will be able to increase the quality of your life.  Edward Fisher 

v      Coaching is a powerful and effective tool to use when making real change and is for anyone who wants to lead a more purposeful more successful life.  Anthony Grant & Jane Greene 

v      Coaching aims to enhance the performance and learning ability of others.  It involves providing feedback and is based on helping people to help themselves.  Max Landsberg 

v      Coaching is about moving from uncertainty and self-doubt into certainty and self-belief.  Fiona Harrold 

v      Coaching in its truest sense is giving the responsibility to the learner to help them come up with their own answers.  Vinci Lombardi US NFL Coach 

v      Coaching is an ongoing process designed to help people grain greater competence and overcome barriers to improving performance.  Newcastle University business coaching diploma 

v      Coaching is the art of facilitating the performance, learning and development of another.  Myles Downey 

v      Coaching is personal, its effective and it allows you to gain whatever you want out of life.  Gerard O’Donovan & Curly Martin 

v      Coaching is action orientated with focus on a client’s current life and plans for the future.  Cheryl Richardson 

v      Coaching is about helping another improve their performance; it involves guidance and planning changes step by step.  Paul Birch

And to end with one of my own, a life coach will do for your mind, what a personal trainer will do for  your body   I look forward to working with you on yours!