If you ask a hundred different coaches “what coaching is” you will probably get a hundred different answers. For me, coaching is about enabling clarity. Clarity about yourself and what stops you from finding real confidence and focus in your life.  

Enabler of clarity 

My simple philosophy is that by gaining a deeper understanding of the issue, with as much clarity as is humanly possible, a path forward will automatically present itself. Because only by truly grasping the core —what lies beneath the surface of the presenting issue — can we create change. Otherwise, you risk glossing over the surface of matters.

My role as coach is as an enabler of clarity — an enabler of deeper understanding, whatever your issue may be. 

Coaching is about enabling clarity but talking may not be enough 

In order to enable greater clarity, I seek to move beyond just sitting and talking during coaching sessions. Why? Because unpicking a problem with words alone can sometimes be too linear. We can easily end-up going around in circles in our heads.

I take a more embodied approach to coaching and use visual and spatial mapping approaches where relevant, for example.  Often, the non-verbal can be a very effective way in — a means of seeing a problem from a new angle.

Different names 

The coaching world is often segmented under different names — life coaching, executive coaching, career coaching, leadership coaching blah blah blah. I find that much of this segmentation misses the mark. I view them as little more than marketing aids — a way for coaches to differentiate themselves, because it is often much easier to market a niche! But in seeking such ease, people risk misunderstanding the deeper purpose of coaching. 

Coaching is about enabling clarity 

Whether you call it executive coaching, career coaching or life coaching — the issues at play are deeply human questions. Human questions of how to live well in the complexity of modernity, whether at home or in the work place. Whether that means navigating personal or professional relationships — whether as parent, sibling, leader, new employee, or all at once! 

Whatever name you want to give it, at its core, coaching is about enabling clarity. 

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life coaching londonHarsha is a 1:1 coach and independent thinker based in London. He empowers people to find more clarity, confidence and focus in their lives — to cut through the noise, in a world so full of it. Harsha’s new book, Machine Ego: Tragedy of the Modern Mind, is now available in paperback and Kindle through Amazon.

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