What is Coaching? And are you a Coach, JJ?
How to become a coach. With Coaching Marketing Expert JJ Jalopy.
Hi there!
Did you have a good weekend?
I’m glad. I’m recovering from some karaoke over-exhuberance. I almost have my voice back now.
When I mentioned yesterday that I was going to do karaoke, Super Chef Christian Haller left a comment on my blog explaining that he would rather have his finger nails pulled out with pliers!
Well, Christian, I’m afraid my singing last night would have done nothing to change your mind on that one.
JJ murdering Elton.
We did have a lot of fun though.
I also received my favorite ever comment yesterday from Central Oregon Expert Don Shepherd.
JJ, you are the King of shameless self promotion.
This is so beautiful that I want to frame it and put it up on my wall!
I’m going to have to get that in some of my marketing literature. Thanks Don!
Last night, I was talking to a friend of my friend Steve. He’d been introduced to my website here at www.jjjalopy.com and he told me:
I love reading your articles. It’s my favorite lunch time reading; your writing is really entertaining and I’ve been learning a lot about starting a business. But I’m not quite sure what it is that you do. And I’m not sure I fully understand what coaching really is.
And I realized that I have never really discussed that with you.
Let’s have a look at the various ways coaching authorities describe Coaching:
an … ongoing relationship which focuses on clients taking action toward the realization of their visions, goals and desires.
– Personal and Professional Coaching Association.
Coaching involves holding out a possibility in front of others whilst coaching them to move to the next level with relentless compassion.
– Robert Hargrove.
Coaching is a collaborative process that amplifies and accelerates self-discovery, promotes clarity, creativity and choice, and helps people achieve – and often exceed – their goals more quickly and more efficiently than they would without the partnership of a coach.
– The Academy for Coach Training.
Effective coaching challenges limiting assumptions embedded in our viewpoints about self and others in a way different than teaching or training… coaching is a unique form of dialogue that expands an individual’s capacity to transform his or her limiting beliefs.
– William Stockton.
So what does this mean in the real world?
Well coaching is really a conversation between the coach and client with the goal of helping the client lead a happier, more awesome life.
I love these little guys!
This is achieved by:
- increasing the client’s level of self-awareness
- setting goals which will add to the client’s quality of life
- achieving those goals.
Simple, right?
So what does the coach contribute in this process?
Clarity - The coach asks questions to help the client build up a clear picture of what they really want.
Ideas - The coach may lead the client in exploring options they may not have considered before
Accountability - The coach will hold the client accountable for their actions. The coach may give the client homework to complete between sessions.
Brainstorming and Collaboration - The coach acts as a non-judgmental sounding board for new ideas. She creates a creative and supportive brainstorming environment.
Support – The coach provides encouragement for new ideas and supports the client in their decisions.
Challenge - The coach may challenge the client to expand their comfort zone, break old habits and pursue new beneficial directions in their life.
Validation - The coach may provide validation, support and encouragement.
Direction – The coach helps the client to gain perspective in times of overwhelm or confusion. She may also voice her opinion or give advice if it is necessary to move the conversation forward.
This last point, about advice, is a controversial one. Many well-respected coaches and coaching academies will disagree with me on this, stating that coaching should be entirely non-directive.
My view is that clients will often get overwhelmed and confused. And when we get overwhelmed our minds and bodies can shut down and ideas can appear out of our reach. Figuring it out becomes very difficult for someone experiencing overwhelm. In my opinion a suggestion or piece of advice can work wonders to give the client the support, structure and confidence they need to move forwards.
Now, if you are observant you’ll notice that I do not describe myself as a coach, but rather as a mentor (or sometimes as a consultant, if I’m in that kind of mood.)
My clients are coaches, consultants, home business owners or managers within larger corporations. My work with my clients is directive.
I work within a framework similar to the one I’m sharing with you on this blog here and I give specific advice and guidance – lots of it. I am an expert in this area, and I would be doing my clients a disservice if I did not.
The Path to Coaching Domination!
To avoid confusion within the industry I do not use the term coach to describe what I do, even though I like it!
Coach JJ just sounds cool.
Now as we get to know each other better, you’ll begin to see that I fit a lot of different things under my coaching umbrella. I like it that way and I hope you will too.
Now go enjoy the rest of your day. I’m going to have a cup of herbal tea, then off to bed!
See you here tomorrow.
JJ Jalopy.
Comment by Christian Haller
4 May 2009
Another great post. We are all coaches in a way. Some of us are good at it. You figured out how to get paid for it. Nothing wrong with self promotion – no one else is going to do it.
Christian Haller
Good Food Fast & Easy
Healthy Italian Recipes
Comment by Lynn Lane
4 May 2009
JJ,
Good post. I have no doutb you are a great coach with a very good approach.
And as Christian commented, nothing wrong with self promotion.
We are all doing it every day!
Lynn Lane
Success Strategies For Life
Success Today
Comment by Bob Kaufer
5 May 2009
JJ,
Everyone needs a coach, it is the only way to greatness. Michael Jordan had a coach, Tiger woods has a coach.
The next great person will say JJ was my coach.
Bob Kaufer
If you MOVE like the Tin Man, you will THINK like the Scarecrow and FEEL like the Lion
Comment by Don Shepherd
5 May 2009
JJ even if you murdered Elton you’re still a rockstar.
Your newsletter rocks too!
Don Shepherd
Fishing Central Oregon
Comment by jc mackenzie
5 May 2009
JJ
As usual, always a pleasure to read.
And like Bob says; everyone needs a coach.
Thanks
JC
JCMACKENZIE.COM
Butterfly Marketing
Comment by mark mallen
5 May 2009
JJ, Your definition of what a coach does was excellent. It is a keeper. You could actually substitute coach for consultant. Mark
small business marketing
ice cream store marketing
Comment by Steve Chambers
5 May 2009
Often in group therapy everyone can see a person’s problem but the person himself. Self-awareness is difficult. It is much easier for an outside observer to note where we can make improvementsand to offer advice. This is what a good coach will do.
I like the way you put it, “specific advice & guidence”. That is a good thing.
Steve Chambers, The Sales Expert
Sales Eagles – Sales Coaching for high flyers
Comment by Sonya Lenzo
5 May 2009
another stellar post. no matter if you are called coach, teacher, consultant, mentor, the idea of helping folks help themselves is a noble one.
Sunnymarie
http://www.sunnymarie.com
http://www.sunnymarie.wordpress.com
Comment by Duane Cunningham
5 May 2009
Hi JJ,
To me having a coach has just been a natural progression throughout my life! I was coached when I played sports and then I had a trading coach when I entered the finance arena and had great mentors in all the areas of life that I have attempted!
Why on earth wouldn’t you have a coach?? Just makes sense to shorten the learning process and tap the knowledge and wisdom of someone who is where I wish to be!
Duane
Super-ADVANCED Persuasion Techniques & Sales Training Proven to Quickly Create a Flood of Money?Constantly & Continuously Flowing into YOUR?Bank Account Like the Niagara Falls…?100% GUARANTEED!!
Discover Secret Influence Skills that Work Like Magic by Tapping Into the Psychology of the Mind with The Worlds Leading Persuasion Trainer Duane Cunningham!
Comment by Bereavement, Divorce, and Grief Counseling and Support, Henderson, Las Vegas, NV, Nevada
5 May 2009
I LOVE how you describe your Karaoke singing and define what it is TO COACH. Very clear indeed.
Of course, if the Karaoke singing of others bothers you, that clearly indicates insufficient application of Gin or Vodka! lol!
Best regards,
April Braswell
Dating Quick Start Expert, Relationship Success Coach
Divorce Support and Bereavement Counseling Outreach Workshop Henderson, Las Vegas, Nevada, NV
Comment by Rob Northrup
5 May 2009
Small Business owners need someone to bounce ideas off of and give them feedback. It is lonely at the top.
Seize the Day,
Rob
Sales Expert For Small Business Owners
Personal Asset Protection For Small Business Owners
Comment by John Ho
5 May 2009
JJ,
Thks for spelling out in details what a coach or mentor is!
We all have (informal) coaches or mentors throughout our life without realizing it.
Continuous learning & applying those learning asap is the key to success.
John Ho
Numerology Expert Helps Understanding Personality for Better Influence & Persuasion (WordPress Blog)
Numerology Expert Helps Understanding Personality for Better Influence & Persuasion (Money Page)
Comment by Pam Schulz
5 May 2009
JJ – Another great post – much to sing about with this one (pun intended – glad to hear your voice is on the mend!)
I enjoyed your ezine yesterday. The knowledge of both you and your coaching wife extraordinaire is impressive!
Pam
Invest in Your Future
Comment by Darryl Pace
5 May 2009
JJ,
Great post. Thanks for the definition of what a coach is and what such a person does. Also, it was informative to read your description of what you do.
Health, Fitness — Darryl Pace
Fitness Product Review
Comment by Anthony Lemme
5 May 2009
Thanks for letting the cat out of the bag. I don’t blame you for not using the word coach. It is awesome that you get paid to help people help themselves. I know you have encouraged and helped me along the way. I look forward to learning more about your version of coaching, consulting, mentoring, Elton John Killing!
P.S Did you ever watch the show called “The Young Ones” back in the 80’s?
Peace,
Anthony
Achieve the Inner Balance of a Zen Monk
Comment by Lisa McLellan
5 May 2009
I can see how everyone could actually use a coach. It is often easier to see mistakes when someone else is making them! You go Coach JJ!!!
Lisa McLellan, Babysitting Services – Babysitters, Nannies, and Au-pairs
Comment by Pat Becker
5 May 2009
Coach, mentor, consultant, even teacher (of the progressive king) Sounds like all of us are coaches in one form or another. I like how you define the term so it includes the directive aspect rather than sticking to the feel good approach.
Pat
Internet Dollars for Business Owners
Comment by Yann Vernier - Profitstactics.com
6 May 2009
Great post. Small business owners always benefit from clarity, accountability, and a god sounding board.
Yann
How to Get Organized, Stop Procrastinating, and Set Goals for Small Business Success
Comment by David Power
6 May 2009
You make us all realise just how important coaching can and is in ones lfe…
David Power’s Hour”
Expert in Medical Hypnosis, Success Thinking and Practical Parenting