What is Coaching?

There are three primary uses of the word coach. First, coaching is used synonymously with consulting. Second, coaching is used in what is called “pure” coaching. Pure coaching is the coaching that is referred to by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). The third use is some combination of consulting and coaching, called content coaching. 

Coaching at Homily is content coaching. We start our understanding of coaching with pure coaching and utilize expertise acquired through years of study and experience. 

Coaching Synonymous with Consulting

When some people use the word coaching synonymously with consulting, they may refer to a style of interaction that involves providing advice, guidance, or expertise to help someone improve performance, solve problems, or achieve specific goals. In this context, coaching and consulting are similar in that they both involve one person (the coach or consultant) providing support and direction to another person (the client or coachee).

However, there are important differences between coaching and consulting. Coaching is typically more focused on helping the client discover their own solutions and achieve their own goals, using questioning and reflective techniques to facilitate this process. Conversely, consulting often involves the consultant providing expert advice, recommendations, or solutions based on their knowledge and experience in a particular field.

While there can be overlap between coaching and consulting, especially in areas where the coach or consultant has specific expertise to offer, the two approaches are distinct in their emphasis and methods.

“Pure” Coaching

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” This definition highlights coaching as a collaborative process where the coach helps the client to achieve their goals, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life. Coaching is often forward-looking and focuses on the client’s strengths, values, and aspirations.

Content-Based Coaching

Content-based coaching is an approach to coaching that focuses on specific content or subject matter expertise. In content-based coaching, the coach has expertise in a particular area and uses that expertise to guide the coaching process. This type of coaching is often used in leadership development, career coaching, or specific skill development where the coach’s knowledge in that area is valuable to the client. The coach helps the client navigate challenges and achieve their goals within the context of the specific content area.

Content-based coaching is the approach Homily utilizes to help you accomplish your preaching goals.