Co-Partnership Exists Between the Coach and the Client.
Client is equal with the coach.
Coach comes alongside the client with an attitude of serving the client’s needs and agenda.
Coach sees the client as the expert for his or her own life.
Coach and client are involved in making the coaching relationship successful.
The coaching relationship “exists to serve the client.”*3
Focus is on meeting the client’s needs.
Personal Growth and Change Is Affirmed
Warm, safe, and supportive environment created.
Coach expresses natural affirmation, support, and encouragement.
Coach has genuine and sincere concern for the client’s well-being.
Coach gives respect, shows interest, and expresses belief in and for the client’s goals and future dreams.
Coach uses direct communication and feedback for the greatest positive impact on the client.
Truth and honesty are expected.
Responsibility and Stewardship Belong to the Client
Coach trusts the client to be responsible.
Client owns the goals and action steps created.
Client takes responsibility to follow through for his own decisions or action steps.
Coach Believes the Best About the Client
Coach expresses genuine belief in the client.
Coach demonstrates acceptance and non-judgmental stance toward the client.
Coach gives room to fail.
Intentional Focus Is on the Client’s Distinct Design
Client’s strengths are championed.
Client’s uniqueness is respected.
Client’s self-awareness is encouraged.
Exploration and Discovery are Encouraged Through Active Listening and Power Questions
Coaching relationship provides a safe environment for exploration and discovery of new possibilities and avenues.
Coach supports and affirms new goals and behaviors.
Coach helps the client design actions.
Integrity, Authenticity, and Sincerity Are Marks of the Coaching Relationship
Coach demonstrates integrity, authenticity, and sincerity.
Coach keeps commitments.
Trust is a central standard of the relationship.
3. Laura Whitworth, Karen Kimsey-House, Henry Kimsey-House, and Phillip Sandahl, Co-Active Coaching: New Skills for Coaching People Toward Success in Work and Life 2nd Ed. (Mountain View, CA: Davies-Black, 2007), 16.
