Coaching 101 - Coaching Core Values

By Lisa Van Allen

I am drawn to coaching for many reasons, but the core values and beliefs that drive coaching top the list. Coaching is so different from anything else I’ve ever done, including counseling, consulting, training and mentoring. There are similarities and overlaps – but very distinct differences.

Co-Partnership in coaching places the client and the coach on an equal plane. There is no expert, no authority, no controlling or manipulating the relationship. The coach comes alongside the client to support his/her agenda and goals. This role is very unique. When I worked as a psychologist, I was expected to be the expert, to lead the relationship toward a healthy result.
As a consultant or trainer, I usually set the agenda and kept my clients on track. As a mentor, I shared my expertise and experience with someone younger or newer to the profession. There is nothing wrong with these roles – they have their place. But coaching recognizes the value brought to the relationship by the client. Two equals are working together, creating a relationship that fosters growth toward the client’s vision and purpose.

Relationship stimulates growth. When people come together to work toward a common goal, something powerful happens. They are able to achieve more together than the combination of what they could accomplish separately. They each grow and learn and spur one another on to creativity. A trusting, supportive relationship is the catalyst to transformation.

Responsibility and Stewardship for one’s own life is fostered in the coaching relationship. A client’s freedom to manage his/her own life is nurtured. The coach empowers the client through accountability but does not assume to tell the client what to do.

Believing the Best about the client, his/her intentions and goals is one of the most empowering things a coach can do. Clients are affirmed, believed in, built up rather than assessed, diagnosed or judged.

Unique Design has been built into every individual. A coach will honor the gifts, talents, personality and abilities of the client in a way that encourages them to find and fulfill their life purpose.

Exploration and Discovery takes place in an environment that is safe for the client to learn and grow. Personal values, passions and dreams are nurtured; solutions and strategies are generated.

Integrity, Authenticity and Sincerity are essential characteristics of every coach. The coaching relationship is based on honesty, reality, and transparency. Other professionals offer their clients integrity, but few can offer the level of transparency a coach is able to share.

These are the values I aspire to bring to each coaching relationship. They are the tools that enable me to help others find and fulfill their life purpose. What an incredible job!!

Lisa Van Allen, MS, PhD is a personal and executive coach with a background in clinical psychology and healthcare administration. In her forthcoming book, "POWER-Filled Living", Lisa provides a process for finding and fulfilling life's purpose. Excerpts of her book and additional articles on life and leadership can be found at http://www.vanallencoaching.com.