Coaching Tip: Is There a Place in Coaching for the Giving of Advice?
Category: Coaching Secrets (CS390)Originally Submitted on 2/15/2002.
Introduction
There has long been debate among coaches as to the place of advice in the coaching relationship.
The Coaching Tip
On the one hand, given the coaching mantra "The client has the answers," plus the intention that coaching shall not be directive, it would seem that there is no place for advice from coach to client.On the other hand, there are times when the coach has experience, either directly from his/her own life or vicariously via others, that can be of service to the client. While keeping in mind that each client is unique, and that what worked for one person may not work for another, there is a question as to whether it is ethical for a coach to withhold such knowledge or experience if the client is seeking it.
One way of resolving this dilemma is to offer information without wording it as "you" advice. For example, "I don’t know if this would fit for you, but what worked for me was to..." or "One way that a friend/client dealt with that was...."
It is a good idea, when using such an approach, to make clear that the client is entirely free to consider or reject whatever is offered. To reinforce this, not only can something like the "I don't know if this would fit..." type of introduction be used, but that message can also be reiterated after the information is given. A question such as "Is that something that appeals to you?" can help the client to decide, and to communicate, whether the information is indeed useful, or whether the search for answers needs to be continued in some other form.
About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Diana Robinson, PhD., CCG, Success Strategies Coach, who can be reached at Diana@ChoiceCoach.com, or visited on the web. Diana Robinson wants you to know: Enhancing your life... your way! That's my coaching goal. For a free half-hour coaching call and/or to request free e-zines, please visit me at www.ChoiceCoach.com.
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