Coaching, as an idea, has its supporters and those who do not fully believe in it. It seems to be another "novelty" with an unfamiliar sounding name, which has invaded our lives and is making a bigger and bigger splash. Coaches, as well as educators, are equipped with the knowledge and skills to plan an effective and individualised programme that enables the acquisition of new skills or competences. As it turns out, coaching, is quite close to the pedagogical ideas that are currently coming back into favour, preaching mainly the ideas of working on oneself and self-development. [1]

Where did coaching come from?

Coaching, as a working method, originated in the sporting environment. The main starting point for the development of a new coaching method was the fact that a person's real adversary is not their sporting opponent, but their own weaknesses. At the time, achieving success was defined as the ability to overcome mental limitations that stand in the way of achieving our goals and achieving the desired results. Hence, coaching is about helping people get what they want, without telling them what to do or doing it for them. And this is the very essence of the concept. [2]

Education

When we equip a student with knowledge, we assume that since he or she has it, he or she will know how to use it, but in fact, the practical use of knowledge is left to the individual concerned. There is an educational model that assumes two dimensions of teaching and learning. On one axis of this model are methodological freedom, expressed in the choice of teaching methods and forms, and directive, i.e. a kind of plan, repetition, a certain constant mechanism for acquiring new knowledge. The second axis is described by a ready-made figure, i.e. a certain model that is pursued in the educational process, and closing the figure, i.e. finding solutions and developing development strategies by the person himself. The coach, or teacher, thus becomes an accompaniment, a kind of back-up in case of need.

What is coaching?

Coaching is defined as a method by which training can be carried out. However, it is not a typical competence training, since, according to its premise and many specialised definitions, it does not refer directly to educational activities, but to areas of human knowledge, directing them in an appropriate way to acquire new knowledge, skills or competences. The fundamental difference between coaching and education, is the base, i.e. education, in its premise, is based on knowledge, while coaching is based on experience.

In coaching interactions, we rely primarily on the freedom to choose teaching methods, partner contact, which allows the learner to freely come to certain changes and build strategies on their own. It is a kind of conversation that, by reflecting on how we apply a skill, helps us to modify our actions or develop new working patterns.

Goals of coaching

Setting a goal is the basis for starting work. Defining what we want to achieve is the starting point for coaching interactions. The goal itself is a certain internal property, directing our actions to achieve the desired effect. It is, therefore, a kind of fuel for effort, action, activity and a drive for our motivation. Moving ahead without a goal in mind is often compared to walking in a fog. We seem to be moving forward, but we do not know in which direction. When we define a clear goal for our actions (aspirations, aims), we take actions aimed at realising our objectives (in short, we come out of the fog).

photo: panthermedia

Effects

The results of our actions, i.e. the effects we achieve, are the determination of our needs on a goal-oriented path. Sometimes, however, the effects of our actions are not quite what we expected, they are half-hearted or it turns out that we could have got to where we are by other means. This happens mainly because we use inadequate resources and skills to achieve our goals.

How does coaching help us?

Methods of coaching are plentiful, and the coach is free to choose the method he or she will work with us. What is more, within the framework of needs, the methods of work can be modified on an ongoing basis, in such a way as to achieve specific results.

Above all, however, the goal. The most important thing is to set ourselves a goal that we intend to achieve and, in addition, to ask ourselves questions about what we are going to do in this direction and where it is going to lead. The next stage of the work is to identify any resources we have, potential and skills that we can use. It is important to identify what we have at the start of our journey. The next stage is the virtual journey to our stated goal. From the moment we take off until the moment we 'land'. It is worth visualising everything with the details, in order to draw attention to any shortcomings that may be an obstacle to achieving our objectives. And what emotions will we feel and what will be our psycho-physical state when we achieve the results? It is worthwhile to imagine this too, in order to identify more accurately the resources that will be useful in achieving the objective. Another very important question is the question of action, namely what I am able to do today to get closer to my goal.

The tools used by a professional coach are used to modify and modulate our goals, objectives, results and, above all, to modify our strategies and skills in order to reach our goal in the best and quickest way possible.

Internal communication plays an important role in coaching, as it is through this that we receive ongoing feedback on our actions. This makes it possible, to a large extent, to draw attention to mistakes and modify the attitudes and behaviours that lead to them.

Programming

Each successive session is another step to build new competences. It is important to get to know all the "programmes" and the "operating system" on which our personality is based, that is, what it is based on. It becomes important here to work with our beliefs as what operates in our subconscious and so guides our behaviour.

Working in relationship

At this stage, there is practical coaching on how to act for oneself, how to build relationships, and how to skillfully let go of conflicts. It is important to integrate resources as much as possible and to create certain models of action that will produce the best possible results. [1]