Coaching Isn’t a Mystery—It’s a Mirror (And a Nudge)
Hi, everybody.
Let’s talk about something I hear all the time:
These fuzzy, often-confused interpretations of what coaching actually is.
People throw the word around like it’s interchangeable with mentoring, training, consulting—you name it. But coaching has a very specific, powerful purpose:
Step 1: Help someone look in the mirror.
Step 2: Help them take action on what they see.Soundbite: Quick Tip
Sounds simple, right? Well… not quite.
Because very few people will look in that metaphorical mirror on their own. And even fewer will take real action from it without support. That’s where coaching comes in—not to fix, but to guide.
Now here’s where it gets a little tricky (and kind of funny, if we’re being honest):
We often think we’re helping by giving feedback—
But sometimes, we unintentionally sabotage Step 1.
Let’s say you walk up to someone and say:
“Why would you do it that way? That doesn’t seem like it’s working.”
Even if you’re 100% right… guess what? That person’s self-awareness journey just hit a speed bump.
Why? Because instead of looking inward, they’re now looking at you—defending, shutting down, or second-guessing. That “mirror moment” you were hoping to spark? Gone.
Coaching isn't about catching mistakes.
It's about creating safe space for reflection, clarity, and growth.
So the next time you want to coach someone, ask yourself:
Am I helping them see themselves more clearly?
Or am I clouding the mirror with my own assumptions?
Coaching is powerful when it’s intentional.
And it works best when it starts with empathy—not interrogation.
