by Sandra Perry
Welcome to our coaching conversations column.
My name is Sandra Perry, and I hope that through these regular conversations, we would be able to have a dialogue and share thoughts on concepts, theories, methodologies, trends and experiences on coaching. I thought that a good starting point would be to share with you my definition of coaching, which is …
“… engaging in a series of conversations … through an alliance relationship between a coach and coachee … aimed at bringing about transformational change … backed by a coaching agreement … over a period of time … for payment”.
Quite a mouthful, but it covers the main bases of coaching.
Why conversations through an alliance relationship between the coach and coachee?
Well, it is well and good to have a conversation with oneself or one’s friend – but what is the level of objectivity in the conversation? And if you respond to your own question, and you do not like what answer pops up, don’t we just press delete and continue with another thought or shift to another topic with our friend?
In an alliance relationship, the underlying premise is that the relationship is moving from a point of equality, meaning that the coach as the professional does not have power over the coachee as the coach’s role is to direct the process rather than the content. And the other principle on which this relationship is built is on the democratic nature of the relationship whereby the coachee as seen as whole and complete, and not needing any “fixing”.
Why transformational change?
Because change should raise self-awareness, bring self-understanding and thereby influence behaviour.
The coaching relationship to be successful should be governed by a mutually agreed contract, defining the responsibilities of the coach and coachee in the relationship, stipulating terms and conditions and other details such as the duration and fees for the service.
As the introductory, Coach talks … I hope that this brief interlude, would open up a conversation with you on the subject that could both enrich and enhance our understanding and our experience in order to awaken potential in ourselves and others.
Till next time …
Sandra Perry
