Coaching is a vital skill for any supervisor. Answer the below questions.
1. Explain the difference between coaching and counseling (in your own words).
2. Select a person in your life (co-worker, friend, family member, or someone you know well). Have a coaching session with them and then answer the following questions:
a. Was it difficult to have a coaching session (did it turn into a counseling session)?
b. What was the hardest part of the session?
c. How would you recommend conducting a coaching session (what environment, how long, how to start, etc)?
In simple terms: Coaching moves functional people forward; counseling helps hurting people heal.
2. Reflection on a Coaching Session
For this exercise, I will simulate a coaching session with a colleague who is struggling to prioritize their tasks and manage their time effectively, despite having the necessary skills.
a. Was it difficult to have a coaching session (did it turn into a counseling session)?
No, it was not overtly difficult, but there was a strong pull toward counseling at the start.
The difficulty arose when the colleague initially attributed their lack of prioritization to feeling "overwhelmed" and "stressed." These are emotional states that often prompt a sympathetic, counseling-style response (e.g., "Tell me more about why you feel stressed," or "What usually calms you down?").
Sample Answer
Coaching vs. Counseling Explained 🧠
The main difference between coaching and counseling lies in their focus, time frame, and goals.
Coaching is future-focused and action-oriented. The goal is typically to maximize performance, achieve specific, defined goals (e.g., career transition, skill development, productivity improvement), and uncover the client's existing potential. The coach serves as a partner, asking powerful questions to help the client discover their own best solutions. It deals with the "how" and "what next."
Counseling (or therapy) is generally past-focused and healing-oriented. The goal is to address and resolve underlying emotional distress, psychological issues, trauma, and mental health challenges that may be impeding current functioning. The counselor serves as a guide to help the client understand the "why" behind their feelings and behaviors to facilitate emotional healing.