Process of effective personal coaching: Modeling based on coaches’experience

Abstract

Personal coaching is widely conducted, especially in business. Previous studies indicate that coaching has several beneficial effects on the recipients. However, the process of effective personal coaching is not well understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to clarify the process of effective personal coaching based on practitioners’ experiences. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 qualified professional coaches. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Then, a concept model and story-line were created using a modified grounded theory approach. The model showed that it was necessary to promote the process of the client’s self-understanding and self-concordance through dialogue and the experiential learning cycle, to enable them to achieve their individual goals. The coach’s mindset and the existence of an appropriate relationship between the coach and client were foundational factors for the success of the process. Additionally, the coach and client’s personalities and their compatibility affected the development of an appropriate relationship.