Leadership coaching has become much more mainstream over the last 10-20 years. When coaching first started to gain traction in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was primarily for executives and often focused on performance enhancement. Back then, coaching was usually reserved for those who were struggling with something, which created a stigma around it. For many years—and even still now—coaching was seen as something only “problem executives” needed, rather than a proactive tool for development.
This stigma is still reflected in how some people use the term “coach.” I often hear phrases like, “Can you coach them on that?” or “I coached him on it,” which, after a few questions, often reveals that “to coach” someone means to tell them what to do.
Despite this evolving understanding of leadership and executive coaching, I find there are still some misconceptions about 1:1 coaching, and there’s flat-out confusion about what group coaching is! So, let’s clarify what coaching is in this blog, and tune in next week for our deep dive into group coaching.
What is Coaching?
First of all, our coaching is designed for individuals who are already excelling in their roles and are looking to maximize their effectiveness as they take on new challenges or expand their responsibilities. We don’t believe in “fix it” coaching; instead, we focus on leveraging the existing strengths of high-potential people. Our goal is to help them identify what they uniquely bring to the table, adapt to change, develop their teams, and continue their journey toward greater impact and success.
1:1 Coaching: The Classic Approach
1:1 coaching is the format most people think of when they hear the word “coaching.” It’s you, your coach, and a whole lot of personalized attention. But what does that really mean?
Key Features of 1:1 Coaching:
- Personalized Assessments: 1:1 coaching begins with a series of assessments to understand the leader’s behavior, how they are perceived, and what drives them. These assessments also reveal what gives them energy, what drains them, and which areas they are looking to develop.
- Targeted Focus: The coaching process is about identifying which specific leadership behaviors, if improved even slightly, would provide the “biggest bang for the buck.” The goal is to focus on key areas that will have the most significant impact.
- Customized Sessions: Each coaching session is tailored to the leader’s unique goals, challenges, and needs. The leader sets the agenda, and the coach offers insights, tools, and strategies specifically designed to help them succeed.
- Confidential and Private: This is a space to explore sensitive topics and be completely honest about what’s holding you back or where you want to go. No judgments, no distractions—just a safe environment to dig deep.
- Flexible Scheduling: With 1:1 coaching, the pace and schedule are entirely up to you. Need a session next week? Done. Want to shift the focus because something urgent has come up? Easy.
Who Benefits Most from 1:1 Coaching?
1:1 coaching is ideal for individuals seeking personalized guidance and specific skill development or for those looking to work through personal challenges. It’s especially beneficial for leaders or professionals who want to develop leadership skills, navigate career transitions, or achieve specific personal or professional goals.
Coaching vs. Therapy: What’s the Difference?
Before we go any further, let’s clear up a common misconception: coaching is not therapy. Yes, both can help you grow and improve, but they come from different places and aim for different outcomes.
- Coaching: Focuses on the present and future. It’s action-oriented, goal-focused, and designed to help you move forward in specific areas of your life or career. Coaches don’t diagnose or treat mental health issues—they empower you to reach your full potential.
- Therapy: Often focuses on the past and works to understand and heal psychological wounds. It’s about processing emotions, addressing mental health conditions, and resolving past traumas.
Looking Ahead: 1:1 Compared to Group Coaching
Now that you understand what 1:1 coaching is, stay tuned for next week’s blog on group coaching and how it differs from 1:1 coaching. And, if 1:1 coaching sounds like something you’d be interested in for yourself or a colleague, contact us!
