Goals and coaching

Abstract

Although coaching is inherently a goal-focused activity, it is only of late that there has been interest in applying the considerable body of literature on goals and goal setting in the psychological literature to coaching practice. This chapter aims to lend additional impetus to this development by drawing on the goal-setting literature from the behavioural sciences and presenting an evidence-based integrative framework for goal-focused coaching. It discusses a range of approaches to understanding the goal construct, presents a definition of goals relevant to coaching and details a new and comprehensive model of goal-focused coaching that can be helpful both in teaching and in applied coaching practice. It also outlines empirical research that highlights the vital role that coaches’ goal-focused coaching skills play in determining successful coaching outcomes. This research suggests that the use of a goal-focused coaching style is more effective than a “common factors” or person-centred coaching style in facilitating goal attainment in coaching. It is argued that, by understanding the different types of goals and their relationship to the process of change, professional coaches can work more efficiently with their clients, helping them to achieve insight and behavioural change that enhances their workplace performance, their professional working lives and, most importantly, their personal well-being and sense of self.