Twelve Basic Life Coaching Principles Every Life Coach Should Know

As a life coach, it is important to always be mindful of the basic life coaching principles. These are principles that every life coach should know and implement to effectively impact clients.

Life Coaching Definition

Life coaching focuses on solutions by which a client seeks to achieve their desired results. It is not therapy as many people unfamiliar with life coaching would think. Therapy focuses primarily on a person’s past; trying to look for the causes of the failures and trauma that have placed them in their current situation. Coaching focuses more on the present and future. Its goal is to come into partnership with the person, taking them from where they are now (the present) to where they want to be (future).

Basic Life Coaching Principles For The Successful Coach

Are you looking to be successful in your life coaching career? If your answer is yes, then I will encourage you to pay close attention to the following basic life coaching principles.

1. Build trust – for your clients to trust you, it is imperative that you provide a trusting and non-judgemental atmosphere where it also involves mutual respect and open communication (being able to express themselves freely). Without a certain degree of trust, the coaching session will be unsuccessful.
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2. Active Listening – Active listening allows people to express themselves and explore their options and dreams. You also have to give your clients the time to express themselves the way they feel they need to. Avoid jumping to conclusions prematurely, and it is essential to be fully engaged with your client (be present). You have to be prepared to listen and give them all your attention.

3. Motivation – Who does not want to be motivated to achieve their goals and purpose? I know I do! Motivation will go a long way in your coaching relationship.

4. Encouragement – Like motivation, encouragement is also very crucial to the coaching relationship. People want to be encouraged; they want to know they have a coach who can offer some empathetic words that will lift their spirits when things do not seem to be working the way they expected.

5. Safe Space – As a life coach and an individual in the helping profession, your job is to provide a safe and comfortable space for your clients. It does not necessarily mean you need to meet with your clients face to face for that happen. A safe space can be that trusting and non-judgemental environment which can be done by phone, video conference (skype).

6. Positive Language – It is important to avoid using language that gives a negative impression of a situation or give the client reason to doubt your ability to help them. Your role as a life coach is to motivate and empower your client and one of the best ways to do so with the appropriate words. Words that empower, motivate, encourage can instill confidence in your clients.

7. Be Flexible – Flexibility simply means you are doing what’s needed with the individual to ensure they are moving closer to their goals. You are working closely with the client and availing yourself to them in a healthy manner; with boundaries that are respected by both parties (the coach and the client).

8. Goals and Action Plans – Establishing the goal and actions to be achieved is key to the coaching process. It is important to create strategies and action plans for goals.

9. Provide Feedback – Providing feedback to your clients is essential. It enables you and your client to stay on course. It is a time when you check in with your clients and ensure they are on the right track. Give them a chance to ask questions and try recognizing their efforts.
10. Exploring solutions – Your role as a life coach is to ensure that your employees come up with specific alternatives to the existing challenges and not create broad solutions.

11. Support – How do you offer support to your clients? You do so by just being there for them; making yourself available, while also setting the necessary boundaries.

12. Accountability – This is probably the most important aspect of what coaching provides as well as what is needed to ensure a successful coaching experience for everyone involved. Accountability drives accomplishments; it acknowledges all efforts and progress made by the client.

These fundamental life coaching principles help improve your coaching skills. It increases your abilities as a coach as well as strengthen your approach as you help your clients. So whether you are just starting out in your coaching career or you are an experienced life coach, I encourage you to take it seriously. It will make a difference in your coaching career.

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