Latest updated: 26 June 2023

Coaching is a solution-oriented method that aims to help clients overcome obstacles in their work or life, thereby unlocking untapped potential. In the coaching process, clients are empowered to help themselves, focusing on what they want to achieve going forward. Success in coaching requires being matched with the right coach and setting clear, specific, and time-bound goals in collaboration with them.

The word "coach" originally means "carriage" or "driver," and metaphorically, coaching involves traveling from the client's current position to where they want to be. The coach's role is to be aware of different paths toward the goal and assist the client in choosing the most viable route.

A good coach is solution-oriented and an expert in the coaching process. Their task is not to provide ready-made solutions but rather to help the client discover their own solutions and paths forward. Coaching can be described as a form of "self-help assistance." The ultimate goal of coaching is for the client to stand on their own and continue on the established path after the coaching relationship concludes.

Coaching differs from therapy, for example, in that therapy often addresses serious problems, while coaching focuses on untapped potential. While problem-solving is often part of the coaching process, the emphasis is on future possibilities. Most people have more potential than they realize, but they need someone to guide them, and that's where the coach comes in.

Finding the right coach for your needs

So, how does coaching work in practice? At Zebrain, we believe it's crucial to match clients with the right coach. Therefore, we employ a behavioral analysis to determine the client's behavioral profile, which is then matched with our coaches.

In the matching process, we also consider the client's needs and development areas, using algorithms to assist in finding the right coach. It's essential to have a good personal connection between coach and client, and the coach should possess the specific expertise the client requires. Coaching is a broad field, and not everyone can specialize in everything. However, specialized knowledge is often necessary for the client to receive the guidance they need.

Once the match is made, the coaching process begins. It can take various forms depending on the client's starting point and desired outcomes. What sets us apart is that coaching takes place digitally through video meetings and is supplemented by a coach chat and a virtual whiteboard on our platform. The advantage of video coaching is increased accessibility, providing more clients with the practical opportunity to receive coaching.

From analysis to concrete action

The coaching process typically starts with an initial meeting to discuss why the client sought the help of a coach and what they expect to gain from it. What does the client want to achieve, and what obstacles are present? In this initial stage, the coach also briefly introduces themselves but primarily focuses on explaining the coaching process and how it may unfold based on the client's needs and expectations. It's important for the coach and client to establish a shared understanding of the process and develop a good personal rapport.

In phase 2, which typically begins no later than the second meeting, the coach and client delve into analyzing the client's current situation. The coach's primary task is to guide the process, actively listen, and pick up on nuances that the client may not have considered. During this phase, concrete, realistic, and time-bound goals that the client wants to achieve with the help of coaching can be formulated. The client should articulate these goals themselves, as they are the true experts in the coaching process. However, the coach guides, suggests, and helps uncover the client's own thoughts.

In phase 3, the focus shifts to working together on the specific obstacles the client wants to overcome and the goals they want to achieve. This can be described as the "intervention phase." A good coach should have a diverse toolbox that includes questioning techniques (asking questions that help the client find their own answers), exercises, technical solutions, and various tips and tricks. The entire process should be concrete, solution-oriented, and focused on untapped potential and future possibilities.

It's important to remember that the coaching process should not only occur during the actual meetings. In between sessions, the client should have specific milestones to work on, often with the help of assigned exercises. At Zebrain, there are also opportunities for clients to communicate with their coach between meetings, such as through the coach chat feature.

Coaching is a solution-oriented method that focuses on helping the client overcome obstacles in work or life, thereby unleashing untapped potential.

When the coaching relationship reaches its final phase, it's time to summarize and evaluate the results based on the goals set by the client. Most importantly, it's a time to discuss how the client can continue to develop independently. For coaching to be worthwhile, it's essential to know which direction to take once the formal coaching process concludes.

Coaching is a fantastic way to address internal obstacles, strengthen self-reflection and self-leadership abilities, and learn how to achieve concrete and realistic goals in life step by step. With the help of a coach, you can learn to overcome obstacles and navigate both internal and external landscapes that are full of untapped potential.