Is Directive Coaching Ever Acceptable?
I am still quite new to coaching. I have finished my training which was great and met so many really helpful and supportive coaches who have been invaluable as I set up my practice. One thing that I am not really sure about that I would love to open up to other more experienced coaches. Is it ever acceptable to be directive? Some say absolutely yes when you have knowledge about a specific field and it helps move the client forward. Others say that it is never acceptable. My course said the latter. The coach I have worked with does occasionally move into being a bit more directive and I really appreciate that although I’m not sure I’d find it beneficial if she did it too often.
Thanks - I look forward to your feedback!
(Sarah)
alison bell said,
January 23, 2007 @ 5:25 pm
My own strong view on this is that you should do what feels right - there are very different views on this subject and people tend to get over excited about it. i think you owe it to your client to pass on all your expertise and sometimes it is absolutely essential to be a little more directive and at least offer a view in a way in which your client feel totally comfortable to say “thanks but that is not for me”. So I would say that as you gain more experience that to not use your knowledge to your clients benefit and offer more directive style of advice from time to time is not giving all of yourself to your client. hope that helps!
Louise Carter said,
January 31, 2007 @ 1:03 pm
I agree with you, although as with all things in coaching it is a matter of boundaries. Passing on information or expertise is not necessarily directive. Telling your client what to do is directive and as a coach one needs to take care. The client has to own the end goal as it is their life that is being affected, not yours. Therefore, however obvious a “right” answer may seem coaches need to beware advising or telling their clients.
Ann-Marie O'Donnell said,
February 8, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
My view is that it is best wherever possible to ask as many probing and great questions as you can so that the Client draws on their own resources. If there is something really obvious they are missing and I am absolutely sure that they have not given up too easily on considering various different options, I have in the past simply asked “can I offer another suggestion”…… If they take me up on this offer, I finish with a question along the lines of “who else do you know that may have some useful insights in to this”….
Good Luck!
Alison Maynard said,
February 28, 2007 @ 9:23 am
It depends on what you call directive - are you offering information from your experience or are you telling the coachee what to do? The first is acceptable as long as you position it as information - telling a coachee what to do defeats the object of coaching which is encouraging them to find the answers within so that they can continue to do it for themselves long after the coaching has finished.
If you find yourself falling into that trap - and it is easily done - it might be worth considering working with a mentor coach or supervisor.
Have a great day!
Alison