Given its long time and close relationship with sport, the art of coaching is often times associated with the development of physical skill only. In truth, today’s coaches must be well versed and trained to deal with clients at multiple levels of learning and change. In ascending order, these levels include: environment, behavior, capabilities, values and beliefs, identity, and spirit. It is interesting to note that a positive change made at a higher coaching level such as identity will necessarily create a positive change at all of the levels below it (beliefs and values, capabilities, behavior, and environment). A positive change made at a lower level such as environment will not necessarily create positive change at the levels above it. Each of these levels of change and learning require a specific type of coaching.

Guiding and Caretaking

This type of coaching has to do with providing support with respect to the environment in which change takes place. Caretaking involves attending to the external context and making sure that what is needed is available. Guiding is the process of directing a person or group along the path leading from some present state to a desired state. It presupposes that the Guide has been there before.

Coaching

This type of coaching has to do with helping another person to achieve or improve a particular behavioral performance. The coach observes the person’s behavior and gives them feedback and suggestions on how to improve.

Teaching

This type of coaching has to do with helping a person develop thinking skills and capabilities related to a specific area of learning. It involves teaching strategies for effective performance.

Mentoring

This type of coaching has to do with guiding a person to discover their own unconscious abilities by believing in the person and validating their positive intentions. It involves bringing the very best out of people by helping them develop empowering beliefs and values.

Sponsoring

This type of coaching has to do with recognizing, acknowledging, and developing the positive essence or Identity of another person. It involves building the person up and letting them know that they belong.

Awakening

This type of coaching goes beyond all others and includes the person’s Vision, Mission, and Spirit. The coach “awakens” others through his or her own integrity and congruence. An awakener puts others in touch with their own missions and visions by being in full contact with his or her own vision and mission.

The above descriptions of coaching and levels where developed by Robert Dilts. They have been paraphrased for use on this Web Site.