What is Coaching
Mentoring is a process of guiding. Usually a more experienced person will assist a less experienced person to develop skills and awareness to help them develop within a specific context. Not necessarily related to age, the more experienced person will take the lead in the relationship and pass on information to the less experienced one.
Consulting is a process whereby advice is given by an expert in the field, who informs (and sometimes facilitates) the procedures for the client to improve in a specific context or situation.
Training is a process of teaching. New skills are learnt or existing skills developed further.
Counselling (or Therapy) is focused on healing pain or fixing problems, and implies that there is something dysfunctional about the person. It investigates the sources and symptoms of the problems, and seeks to find resolution in order that the person can move on with their lives.
Coaching
In contrast to the above, the coach takes the role of an equal partner in the relationship. Coaching takes the perspective that the client is already a fully functioning human being with all the necessary resources. All they need further is an expert in facilitating the processes that will unlock latent potential.
Coaching offers the client a supportive and motivating environment to explore what they want, how they might achieve their aspirations and fulfil their needs. By assisting the client in committing to action and in being a sounding-board to their experiences, the coach allows the individual the personal space and support they need to create growth, change and commit to action.
A worldwide study (which included South Africa) conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP and Association Resource Centre Inc., on behalf of the International Coaching Federation, released in April 2009 revealed that the Return on Investment for companies can be significant. The vast majority (86%) of those able to provide figures to calculate company ROI indicated a median return of 7 times the initial investment. Almost one fifth (19%) indicated an ROI of at least 50 (5000%) times the initial investment while a further 28% saw an ROI of 10 to 49 times the investment."
Successful coaching interventions will have a dramatic effect on the ability of the individual to perform consistently at their best, resulting in greatly improved business efficiencies and profits. The benefits to the individual and the organisation are both sustainable and measurable.