What exactly does the coach provide?
The coach holds a safe space within which the client can explore. That space allows the client a “time out” to evaluate how well things are going, to establish the evidence procedures for success, and to strategize future action steps. The coach does not judge results. There is no failure, only feedback. The coach does expect the client to take responsibility and to develop the flexibility to overcome barriers. Coaches also provide structure. As coaches hear clients express a desire for action, they make requests. Examples of requests are: “Will you make two calls about that this week?” “Will you spend ten minutes a day on this?” Requests are negotiable. The client might counter, “No, I won’t do it every morning, but I’ll do it three times this week.” The alliance evolves. Once requests are accepted, coaches hold clients accountable for taking those actions. As individuals, most of us prefer self-generated action steps, yet we often fail to take them because no outside force holds us t
