Coaching World Issue 11: August 2014 | Page 21

FEELING STUCK? Consider A coach could be beneficial for you! ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaches honor the client as the expert in his or her life and work and believe every client is creative and resourceful. The coach's responsibility is to: • Discover, clarify and align with what the client wants to achieve. • Encourage client self-discovery. • Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies. • Hold the client responsible and accountable. This process helps clients dramatically improve their outlook on work and life, while developing leadership skills and unlocking potential. Take this quiz to discover where to turn. START HERE: Consider Do you believe there is something more to discover in your personal or professional life? PERSONAL BOTH Are you experiencing pain or trauma? YES Are you seeking a way to resolve past pain, dysfunction or conflict? YES YES NO Consider Psychotherapy YES Do you seek action, accountability and follow-through? NO No further action needed at this time. Consider Coaching CREATE SOLUTIONS FOR ME YES Are you willing to devote time and energy to making changes? Consider Coaching in the Future YES Consider Coaching Are you seeking someone to evaluate your situation and provide advice or feedback, based on their experience or expertise? WISDOM AND GUIDANCE Consider NO Coaching in the Future PRESCRIBE AND IMPLEMENT SOLUTIONS Consider Mentoring Consider in the Future Consider Training YES NO Coaching SET CURRICULUM Are you looking for wisdom and guidance or an expert to identify, prescribe and potentially implement solutions? Are you seeking a professional who can work with you to clarify your desires and design actions that will move you toward your goals? NO Individuals or organizations retain consultants for their expertise. While consulting approaches vary widely, the assumption is the consultant will diagnose problems and prescribe and, sometimes, implement solutions. Consider Mentoring A mentor is an expert who provides wisdom and guidance based on his or her own experience. Mentoring may include advising, counseling and coaching. Consider Psychotherapy The focus is often on resolving difficulties arising from the past that hamper an individual's emotional functioning in the present, improving overall psychological functioning, and dealing with the present in more emotionally healthy ways. You may find it helpful to know that ICF Members have received training to discern the differences between coaching and therapy and are obliged by our organization’s Code of Ethics to refer prospective or current clients to therapists when appropriate. YES CREATE MY OWN SOLUTIONS in the Future Are you looking for increased productivity, time management, team effectiveness and work performance? NO NO Do you want to design actions or solutions for yourself or do you need someone else to create them for you? YES CUSTOMIZED LEARNING SOLUTION NO Do you want lasting results to help you be a better person or leader? Consulting PROFESSIONAL Do you want a flexible, customizable learning solution or will a set curriculum help you achieve your goals? Would you like to increase self-confidence and enhance relationships, communication skills and work/life balance? NO Coaching For more information about coaching, or to find an ICF-credentialed Coach, visit Coachfederation.org. Consider Consulting Consider Training