A friend recently asked me if ADHD coaching was like being a GPS for my clients. It was a funny conversation, but I thought it was a good illustration of how Coaches help their clients. I've embellished this a little and removed the profanity and non-politically correct mocking we usually engage in so I think this should be relatively professional in tone:
"So what you do is act like the GPS in my car. I tell you where you want to go and you tell me 'turn left ahead'."
"Well, not exactly. You're describing a consultant".
"So what are you then?"
"Well, picture this; you want to drive from New York to Chicago. So you call me up and say, 'hey, I'm planning on driving to Chicago, so I'd like to discuss how to best plan that out.' 'Great' I'd reply. Let's brainstorm about all the different things you're going to need to think about before you leave'."
"Wait, I have to do the work?"
"How else are you going to learn so you can do it on your own the next time?"
"Okay, so I'd say I'm going to buy a GPS."
"Sounds like a good idea. Anything else you may want to think about?"
"That should do it, right? It's going to show me how to get there."
"What plans have you made for a place to stay once you get there?"
"Hmmm, not sure."
"Also, how much time are you planning to take off from work?"
"oh yeah, work..."
"What does your wife think about your plans?'
"yeah, hadn't really discussed it with her."
You get the idea. As a Coach, I need to look at the whole person. Looking at the whole person requires the client to also think about all aspects of their lives that will be impacted by making plans or taking action. This is process we go through as we identify changes they would like to make, and skills they need to build. Clients may have great ambition to change everything, but the coach needs to help them to see that it doesn't happen overnight, and there can be some stumbles along the way.
To extend the transportation metaphor a little further think of clients as sailors on the open ocean. They have charted a course they want to follow. The Coach reminds them to look at their compass, and constantly check to make sure they are on course. It's easy to drift away gradually; a little distance every day doesn't seem so bad. But, a few months of that and you are far far away from where you want to be.
It's important to sit down and decide where you want to go in your life. It's also important to plan out how you're going to get there. But, without checking your "compass" to make sure you're on track, it's very easy to lose your way. A coach can help you in all three areas, but as my friend found out, the client still has to do the work.
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