The term 'coaching' is often used to describe a number of different activities. According to the context within which it takes place, its meaning and focus can vary.
As coaching has gained in popularity, there has also been a rise in the number of different types of ‘niche’ coaching, focusing on particular areas of personal and professional development. Career coaching, executive coaching and life coaching are examples of these different forms.
The way that the coaching is conducted can also vary. Some coaches meet their clients individually for a one-to-one, face-to-face meeting for up to a couple of hours per week; others may meet more or less often. Some coaches work with groups. Others may conduct their sessions via telephone or email; some can use a combination of these approaches.
What all of these types of coaching share, however, is their focus on a step-by-step process to help clients achieve their goals, both immediate and long-term. At its most basic level, coaching is a confidential service in which one individual provides help, support and guidance to another in a formal, structured way.
In most contexts, coaching is a paid activity provided by someone external to the organisation – the professional coach.
However, a recent survey by The Chartered Institute of Professional Development revealed that the majority of coaching within organisations is delivered by line managers.
Given that the costs of hiring external coaches can range from £300 to £700 per two-hour session, the case for ensuring that at least one member of the organisation is appropriately trained and equipped to deliver coaching in-house is a powerful and persuasive one.
