Clarity for anyone curious (or sceptical) about the role of coaching
When Someone Asks, “But What Is Coaching?”
Recently, I was challenged by someone who was sceptical about coaching. It reminded me that not everyone has experienced it, and that sometimes the word itself can feel vague or misunderstood.
So, here’s a guide to help make it clear what coaching is, and just as importantly, what it isn’t.
What Coaching Is
Coaching is your dedicated space for growth, reflection, and new possibilities. It isn’t only for when things feel hard, it’s also where you can explore what’s working well, celebrate progress, and stretch into new territory.
You might bring to a session examples of:
- When you feel stuck or uncertain about your next step.
- Successes you’d like to build on.
- Workplace dynamics or emotions affecting how you show up.
You may want to explore:
- Skills, strategies, or approaches you want to strengthen.
- Patterns you’ve noticed in yourself or your team.
- Questions about values, priorities, or career direction.
- Or you may simply need a space to think out loud in a safe environment.
Nothing is too small. Often, the smallest observations spark the biggest shifts. These are what I call tipping points. They are gold.
What Coaching Isn’t
It may also help to be clear on what coaching is not. Coaching is not:
- Supervision or performance management – it’s not about judging your work.
- Training – there’s no one-size-fits-all curriculum or set of instructions.
- Therapy or counselling – while feelings may arise, the focus is forward-looking.
- Quick fixes – coaching is exploration and growth, not a one-time solution.
Instead, coaching is a partnership – focused on your goals, challenges, and aspirations, so you can grow in confidence, capability, and impact.
Reflection Prompt
What area of your work or life would benefit most from having a safe space to pause, reflect, and explore new possibilities?
This Week’s Nudge
When you feel the urge to push through on your own, ask yourself:
“What could shift if I had someone alongside me to explore this with?”
Step Into Brain-Friendly Leadership
Are you ready to expand your impact as a leader, coach, or facilitator?
The Brain-Friendly Leadership Certification (Hobart, November 2025) is a two-day program that equips you with neuroscience-based tools to:
- Support growth and resilience in the people you lead
- Strengthen your coaching and facilitation toolkit
- Apply practical, research-driven methods in real-world contexts
This isn’t about theory for theory’s sake – it’s about walking away with skills you can immediately put into practice.