DISCUSSION
1. What do you believe coaching is? I believe that coaching is a way for someone to get un-stuck, become focused on their goals (or discover what those goals are), receive support and encouragement,  become an optimist, and be accountable for their future.

2. What would you say to someone who asked you what coaching is? Coaching is a way to discover what you want, focus on those goals, and get a new perspective as to how to reach them. Your coach will encourage you, brainstorm with you, hold you accountable for your actions in relation to the goal, and challenge you to see things in a new perspective. A great coach will give you the tools you need to approach your life decisions in direct relation to your objectives, and you’ll be able to eventually reach those decisions on your own.

3. What are the major differences between coaching and other disciplines? Therapy focuses solely on the past, and how to overcome it in order to become a functional person. A consultant is an expert, who comes in to tell you how to “fix” your situation and then leaves. A mentor takes you under their wing and often gives advice based on their own experience. A coach, however, focuses only on the present and how it relates to the future. She knows that only the client is an expert on what is best for them, and does not bestow any guidance. Rather, the coach examines the situation, creates a plan of action, and works side by side with the client to create a solution using the client’s knowledge and answers. A coach takes a functional person and helps to make them an extraordinary person.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Write down the principles you believe are fundamental to helping a human being move forward in life.
* Being non-judgmental
* Listening 80% of the time and talking 20% of the time
* Ensuring that you understand what is being expressed (aka “you know what happens when you assume”)
* Questioning
* Suspending advice giving
* Being supportive
* Offering words of encouragement
* Focusing on the positive
* Challenging the way that they see/do things
* Allowing them to discover & focus on their goals

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1. What do you understand to be an “ideal coach”?
* Someone who is committed to living an extraordinary life and ensuring that their clients do the same
* Someone who is reliable, not only to be there when needed but to speak to their clients openly and truthfully
* Someone whose actions are aligned with what they say are important to them
* Someone who is coachable themselves - who get excited to see things in a different light and value the feedback and ideas they receive from their clients.
* Someone who is generous with others and themselves.
* Someone who is compassionate towards themselves and others
* Someone who enthuses those around them by living a full, satisfying life.

2. Can you see where you display these qualities in your own life? Yes. I feel that I display most of these characteristics - or at least try to! I also feel that a genuine interest in people, strong communication skills, a large degree of selflessness, excellent listening abilities, and a sense of humor will help complete the formula for an ideal coach.

3. Are there areas where these qualities are missing? Yes, because some of these are very lofty ideals! I know that I’m considered a reliable person (by most people), and I like to think that I’m generous, compassionate, and vivacious. I know that I am coachable, and now that I know what’s important to me I try my best to live my life by those priorities. I know what it will be tough for me to listen more than talk, and to keep my opinions and advice to myself.

4. What would your life be like if you were to become “an ideal coach”? It would be ideal! I would love to think that I’m an ideal coach that can help my clients achieve their goals and inspire them to talk about coaching to others.