When Coaching Crosses Over and Prescribes
There is a struggle among coaches and within the notion of coaching, itself, over the issue of “prescription.” Just how much prescription/direction is the coach supposed to provide the client? Is any suggestion a “leading of the witness?” It is not an easily resolved issue. And I struggle with it, as well. That’s why, for the most part, I tell my clients I provide a bridge between coaching and mentoring.

I make the distinction because I liken the coaching process to a methodology for “squeezing the sponge,” that is, getting the best from an individual through a process that brings more of his/her essence to the surface. Mentoring, on the other hand, presumes greater knowledge and/or experience in the mentor. I believe that at different times and for different needs, both are needed, but not necessarily together.

Most of the experienced coaches I know share this concern. They want to be true to the process, honor the profession, as it were, but first and foremost, be helpful to the client. When you think of coaching, do you think being “prescriptive” goes too far?