Why does every coach need a coaching philosophy?

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 in establishing 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. By having a consistent philosophy, you can make appropriate decisions and coach more efficiently. A significant attribute for a coach is consistency; 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 long-term goals, as well as fostering continuity. Your coaching philosophy should be focused on all of these, and you should be consistent in applying them. A well-defined philosophy will also help your students, their parents, and other individuals appreciate the choices you make within your coaching setting.

Everyone who coaches has a coaching philosophy; not all have taken the time to examine it and write it down. If you have not studied it, then your coaching philosophy would be at a subconscious level. It can still influence how you coach, but without a clear understanding, you will not be sure if it is effective. In your coaching work, you might also fail to use it as a guiding principle. Writing out your coaching philosophy is a necessary step for all coaches.

How Coaching Philosophy Helps A Coach

The coach and their clients can be directly affected by a coaching philosophy. Developing this Philosophy, if you will, allows for a form of "standard of care." While every coaching conversation is unique, having a defined philosophy ensures that the coach approaches each session with consistency.

Your philosophy should help define your goals—during training blocks, over a season, and even for individual sessions. It can also guide decision-making. If you are unsure about a choice or action, refer to your coaching philosophy. If it is well-written, it will provide direction.

A coaching philosophy serves as a roadmap for how you coach. It gives you strong guidance on what you aim to achieve and the methods you will use to reach your goals. It enables efficient decision-making, ensures clarity, and aligns your coaching with your values. Taking the time to define your philosophy and then following through with it will make you a more effective coach.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you develop your coaching philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions