The benefit of coaching lies in embracing the journey.

When you look up the word ‘coaching’, you either get a definition that refers to travelling by coach or to training, especially in the context of sports.

While coaching as a profession in today’s world fits under neither of those meanings, the travelling definition can give you at least a glimpse of what to expect from it.

The term ‘coaching’ derives from the Hungarian word kocsi, which translates to ‘wagon of Kocs’ – a village in Hungary where horse-drawn carriages were first made.

Using this etymological origin as a metaphor is a nifty way of understanding the nature of coaching today: a coach is a vehicle that carries the coachee from one level of awareness to another. As coaching pioneer and racing driver Sir John Whitmore wrote in Coaching for Performance: “Coaching is all about a journey”.

The journey metaphor, as per the words of coaches Carol Wilson and Frank Besser, also helps us understand the differences between coaching, mentoring, consulting or therapy.

A therapist will explore what is stopping you driving your car.

A consultant will advise you on how to drive the car.

A mentor will share tips from his or her own experience of driving a car.

And a coach will encourage and support you in exploring how to drive the car.

So, which approach would you choose as you embrace your journey?

If you are interested please get in touch with me at hey@norabarczi.com.