coaching and its differences from other practices

Coaching definition through metaphor

 

Imagine a man on a bicycle, stranded in the middle of the road, wanting to pedal but unable to.

 

• COACH: An individual approaches and inquires about the cyclist's intended destination. They delve into the significance of that goal for the cyclist and what draws him towards it. Together, they contemplate whether the bicycle is truly the most suitable mode of transportation for his journey, or if something else might better serve his needs. Here, we meet the Coach

   

• COUNSELOR: Along comes an individual who patiently listens, empathizes with his struggle, and encourages him to speak about his feelings. Counselor.

   

• PSYCHOTHERAPIST: Next there's someone who digs deeper, uncovering hidden barriers, emotional blocks, and past traumas that might be preventing the man from pedaling. This is the Psychotherapist.

   

• CONSULTANT: A fourth person inspects the bike, ensuring it's in good condition and offering practical advice to get the cyclist moving again. That's the Consultant

   

• MENTOR: Then you have the Mentor,  someone with vast experience, who shares his wisdom and even demonstrates how to master the bike.

   

• TRAINER: Last an athletic figure observes the cyclist's techniques, pointing out mistakes and suggesting improvements. This is the Trainer

 

In various situations, you might have a different needs , but I find coaching profoundly powerful. It encourages individuals to gain a deeper consciousness of their circumstances, spurring actions that propel them forward. 

 

After all, in the end, each of us holds our own answers and possesses the innate ability to navigate our unique paths. Who are we to dictate another's path?

 

Thanks to Giovanna Giuffredi for having shared this metaphor in the book L’Onda del Coaching.

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Others Coaching definitions

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ICF - the largest International Coaching Federation, defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.