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Coaches are accountable for how they turn up and serve their clients. An important part of the coaching practice is being conscious and self-aware. Fortunately, most coaches get into the organisation to help others, and a road to a personal coaching philosophy comes with the heart of service.

The role of a coach is a great way for a coach to begin to evaluate their coaching philosophy effectively. What one stands for clears the way for a well-served customer by using the dedication component of the coach’s position. Unconditional positive consideration is a major part of this, but with a deep understanding of core values, a consistent ideology can be fully established.

The ICF has taken steps for credentialed coaches to solidify a code of ethics, and the coaching philosophy is part of this code. True coaching requires keeping space for a customer to lead the coaching conversation to enable their personal development. Coaches are not advisers, but rather involved listeners who are not married to any coaching conversation’s result.

Becoming well versed in the ICF Code of Ethics will assist coaches to establish ethical values that are well served by their clients.

Need for a Coaching Philosophy

Coaching is complicated, because you will always need to make ethical choices. You are able to make appropriate decisions and to coach more efficiently by having a consistent philosophy. A significant attribute for a coach is to be consistent; a strong coaching philosophy helps you make consistent decisions and remain firm in the face of external pressures.

A consistent coaching philosophy reduces confusion about areas such as team rules, style of play, player discipline, competitiveness and the long-term goals, as well as fostering continuity. Your coaching philosophy should be focused on both of these and you should be consistent in applying them. A consistent statement of philosophy will also assist your students, their parents, and other individuals to appreciate the choices you make within your coaching setting.

Everyone who coaches has a philosophy of coaching; not all have taken the time to examine it and write it down. If you have not studied it, then the philosophy of your coaching would be at a subconscious stage. It can also influence how you coach, but without a clear understanding of what it is, you will not be sure it is acceptable. In your coaching work, you would also fail to use it to guide you. For all coaches, it is a necessary step to write out their coaching philosophy.

How Coaching Philosophy Helps A Coach

The coach and his or her clients can be directly affected by a coaching philosophy. Developing this Philosophy, if you will, allows for a form of “standard of care.” While the conversation will be innovative and special, having a plan philosophy will allow the coach to show up with each person served in the same way.

You should use your ideology to help you define the goals you’re following. This will be during training blocks, over a season, and down to individual training sessions and matches. It can also be used to assist you in decision-making. Have a look at your Philosophy if you are unsure what to decide or what action to take. If it is written well, it can guide you to make the right choice.

The Philosophy of coaching is an essential tool for directing how you coach. It gives you some strong guidance on the goals you should achieve and the path you will take to accomplish them. This encourages you to make efficient, clear choices, and to coach in a way that adheres to your values. You can be a more effective mentor by taking the time to clarify the philosophy, and then following through with it.

Here is a step by step guide for you to help developing your coaching philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a coaching philosophy?

A coaching philosophy describes what you believe and how you want to approach your coaching role.

Why is an Effective Coaching Philosophy important for a coach?

Coaches are held responsible for how they present themselves and support their clients. Being conscious and self-aware is an integral part of the coaching process, and this is where an effective coaching philosophy comes into play.

How does having a coaching philosophy help clients?

The development of a coaching philosophy is a way for the coach and the client to establish expectations. A coaching philosophy is a method that coaches can use to direct them in their coaching process.

How Does A Coach Benefit From Coaching Philosophy?

The Coaching Philosophy is a critical method for guiding the coaching style. It provides clear direction on the objectives you should pursue and the steps you should take to achieve them. This motivates you to make fast, informed decisions and coach in a way that is consistent with your values.

Why is it important to have a consistent coaching philosophy?

A consistent coaching philosophy eliminates uncertainty and fosters consistency in areas such as team rules, style of play, player discipline, competitiveness, and long-term goals.