SESSION/RESOURCE LINKS

Welcome to the start of your coaching journey!
By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:
* Understand and explain what coaching is—according to the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
* Spot the difference between coaching and other helping roles like consulting, mentoring, and counseling.
* Begin using a simple, powerful coaching tool: the 5 essential questions that guide meaningful coaching conversations.

So, What Is Coaching?

Coaching is all about partnership. The International Coaching Federation defines it as: “Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”

That might sound lofty, but at its heart, coaching is simply about asking the right questions at the right time—questions that help people tap into their own wisdom, clarify what matters most, and take steps toward their goals. In a coaching relationship, the following elements are almost always true:

It’s a partnership.  Coaches don’t lead or push—they walk alongside their clients. It’s a mutual journey built on trust, curiosity, and deep conversation in a safe space.
It’s transformational.  Through intentional listening and powerful questions, coaches help clients clarify their vision and discover new possibilities for action and growth.
It’s about maximizing potential.  Great coaches help clients move from where they are to where they want to be by focusing on their gifts and strengths—and helping them take action.
It’s results-focused.  Coaching isn’t just about ideas—it’s about follow-through. Coaches help clients create momentum by setting goals, identifying next steps, and tackling roadblocks.
It sees clients as capable and resourceful. The client is the expert and the coach's role is to draw out their ideas, wisdom, and creativity.

In the words of Tim Roehl and Steve Ogne (from TransforMissional Coaching), a great coach:

Comes alongside
Observes carefully
Asks thoughtful questions
Offers options and resources when helpful
Holds you accountable—with care and compassion

Expectations

Coaching vs. Therapy, Consulting, and Mentoring

Coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it’s important to understand what makes it distinct from other helpful roles. Here’s a quick overview:

Coaching vs. Therapy. Therapy often focuses on healing and recovery. Coaching, on the other hand, is for people who are generally well and looking to grow. It’s future-oriented and action-focused—less about processing the past and more about creating what’s next.
Coaching vs. Consulting. Consultants are experts hired to give advice and solutions. Coaches believe the client is the expert of their own life and work. Coaches don’t prescribe answers—they help clients uncover their own.
Coaching vs. Mentoring. Mentors share their experiences to help others grow. Coaches might occasionally offer insights, but the primary goal is to empower clients to find their own answers. If a coach does share something, they’ll often ask, “Would it be helpful to hear what others have done in similar situations?”

7 Coaching Strategies to Enrich Conversations

A typical coaching session is structured around five key questions. They help keep the conversation clear, focused, and productive:

1 | What would you like to talk about today?  Sets the topic and gives direction to the conversation.
2 | What would you like to walk away with?  Clarifies what success looks like for the session.
3 | Are we still focusing on what matters most?  Checks alignment and keeps things client-centered.
4 | What action will you take this week?  Moves the client from intention to implementation.
5 | Who or what can support you?  Encourages accountability and connection to resources.

7 Coaching Strategies to Enrich Conversations

These simple techniques build on the five core questions and deepen the impact of your coaching:

Invite more.  Ask, “Can you say more about that?” or “What else could you try?” It opens space for reflection and discovery.
Reflect what you hear.  Mirror the client’s words or summarize their thoughts to help them hear themselves more clearly.
Use simple rating scales.  “On a scale of 1–10, how committed are you to this goal?” Ratings help gauge readiness and spark useful dialogue.
Encourage role reversal.  “If you were your teammate, how would you see this?” New perspectives often lead to new insights.
Ask about the future.  “What do you hope to be celebrating a few months from now?” Visioning helps clarify purpose and direction.
Prompt next steps.  “What’s one thing you can do before our next session?” This keeps the momentum going between sessions.
Explore their support system.  “Who can help you with this?” or “What resources do you need?” Growth often happens faster with support.