The word coach in the 1500’s described a horse-driven vehicle that got people from where they were to where they wanted to be. In the 1880’s it was given an athletic meaning, and coaches were known as people who helped athletes move from one place to another. Over time it became associated with musicians, public speakers, and actors.
A few decades ago, it moved into the corporate world. Why?
Many CEO’s, Executives, and leaders were faced with drastic changes in the business environment, technological advancements, information glut, and realized that they could not keep abreast of everything and tell people what to do. Communication breakdown, low productivity, lack of motivation, high turnover of personnel in addition to other issues became problems that they were required to deal with effectively. This meant that they needed to learn new management styles, manage change, be effective while dealing with their personal lives and the additional pressure in the workplace. Coaching came into play to help these executives not only manage the workplace dynamics but also manage their personal lives.
Since 1990, the coaching field has grown, and there are now a number of associations of trained coaches around the world.
The largest is the International Coach Federation, founded in 1992, which has 35,013 trained coaches in 143 countries.
ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches across a variety of coaching disciplines. The ICF (International Coach Federation) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
A coach is someone who is trained and devoted to guiding others, into increased competence, commitment, and confidence. - Frederic Hudson
Coaching equips people to move from where they are towards the greater competence and fulfillment they desire. Coaching helps people expand their vision, build self-confidence, unlock their potential, improve their skills, and take practical steps to move them towards their goals.
If you are looking for a coach, it is important to work with a trained coach.
Are you convinced that you can live a fulfilled life but you are not sure where to start?
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