“How Does Transformational Coaching Differ from Traditional Coaching Methods?”

Let’s explore the world of coaching, shall we?

It’s a landscape that’s constantly evolving, and as someone who’s been in this game for quite a while, I’ve seen firsthand how different approaches can offer unique benefits.

I’m Angela Cox, and with over 6,000 hours of coaching experience under my belt, I’ve had the privilege of exploring various methods and seeing their impact on real people’s lives.

Now, you might be wondering why it’s important to understand these different coaching approaches.

Well, whether you’re a coach looking to expand your toolkit or someone considering hiring a coach, knowing the nuances can help you make informed choices that align with your goals and values.

So, let’s start by taking a quick trip down memory lane. Coaching, as we know it today, really took off in the 1980s.

Back then, it was primarily focused on performance improvement in the workplace. Fast forward to today, and we’ve got a whole spectrum of coaching methods, from traditional approaches to more transformative ones.

Traditional Coaching Methods: A Quick Overview

Traditional coaching methods have been around for decades, and they’ve certainly earned their stripes.

These approaches typically focus on setting and achieving specific goals. Think of the GROW model (Goals, Reality, Options, Will) – it’s a classic for a reason. Traditional coaching is great for tackling concrete challenges and making measurable progress.

One of the strengths of traditional coaching is its structured approach. It’s like having a roadmap for success. Clients often appreciate the clear direction and actionable steps. Plus, it’s relatively straightforward to measure progress, which can be incredibly motivating.

But here’s the thing – while traditional coaching can be brilliant for addressing surface-level issues, it sometimes struggles to dig deeper. It’s a bit like treating the symptoms without fully addressing the root cause. And in today’s complex world, sometimes we need to go a bit deeper to create lasting change.

That’s where transformational coaching comes in.

Transformational Coaching: A Deeper Dive

When I first heard about transformational coaching, I was sceptical.

I thought it might be another buzzword. But after seeing the profound changes in clients who embraced it, including some breakthroughs I hadn’t anticipated, I became a believer.

Transformational coaching is about creating profound, holistic change.

It’s not just about achieving goals; it’s about shifting how you see yourself and the world around you. It’s like the difference between putting a fresh coat of paint on a house and renovating it from the foundations up.

One of the key strengths of transformational coaching is its focus on the whole person. We’re not just looking at behaviour; we’re exploring beliefs, values, and identity. It’s about unleashing potential in a way that ripples through every aspect of life.

As one of our graduates, Julia Burkin, shared: “I’ve learned some of my own limitations, which I’m going to use the learning from the course to keep working on myself to be better. If I’m better at being me, then my clients get a better version too.”

This illustrates how transformational coaching can lead to profound personal growth that extends beyond just professional skills.

Transformational coaching isn’t a walk in the park. It’s uncomfortable, but for those ready to dig deep, the results are life-changing.

But how do these two approaches actually work in practice? Let’s dig deeper and compare:

Traditional vs. Transformational Coaching: A Closer Look

Surface-Level Fix or Deep Transformation?

When you work with traditional coaching, it’s like climbing a specific mountain. But when you get into transformational coaching, it’s more like learning how to navigate any terrain, anywhere.

Time Travel in Coaching: Past, Present, or Future?

Traditional coaching primarily focuses on the present and future. Transformational coaching, on the other hand, often delves into the past to understand patterns and create lasting change. It’s like the difference between planning your next move in a game of chess and understanding the entire strategy.

What Drives the Change?

Traditional coaching often focuses on behaviour change, while transformational coaching digs deeper into beliefs and identity. It’s not just about what you do, but who you are.

Ann Hill, another graduate, eloquently described this aspect: “We went back to a childhood memory that invoked a feeling that we still feel today, many, many years later… To get back to that memory and understand that, and understand that six-year-old me couldn’t make sense of what I know with the information I have now, that’s been incredible.”

This deep dive into past experiences and their impact on current behaviour is a hallmark of transformational coaching.

The Coach-Client Tango: Who Leads?

Transformational coaching works because it’s a partnership, not a prescription.

Marina Kilcline, one of our graduates, put it best: “This approach makes room for co-creation. It’s a therapeutic, deep dive where both coach and client uncover what really matters.” The collaborative nature allows clients to own their transformation, making the changes more sustainable and empowering.

Sprint or Marathon?

Traditional coaching often works well in shorter timeframes, while transformational coaching typically requires a longer, more intensive process.

As Nicki Crayfourd, a Paseda360 graduate, explained: “Other coaching programs I’ve been on tend to be very theoretical, not practical enough, and don’t take into account the true person.

It all seems a bit samey-samey.

When I saw this and the summary of the course, those were the aspects I liked.

It was the directive nature of being a coach so you can actually help people, and also that holistic piece around havening—just something that I’d never experienced myself and I think will offer a lot to clients.”

Traditional vs. Transformational: Which One is Right for You?

Now, let’s talk science for a moment. Both approaches draw on psychological principles, but transformational coaching tends to incorporate more recent neuroscience concepts.

At Paseda360, we’re particularly excited about how neuroscience can inform coaching practices.

But here’s the thing – there’s ongoing debate about the scientific basis for different coaching approaches.

As coaches, we need to stay curious and keep learning. It’s not about finding the ‘one true method’, but about expanding our toolkit to serve our clients better.

So, how do you choose the right coaching approach? Well, it depends on your goals, preferences, and circumstances.

Traditional coaching might be perfect if you have a specific, well-defined goal you want to achieve. It’s like using a GPS to get to a specific destination.

Transformational coaching, on the other hand, might be more suitable if you’re looking for deeper, more comprehensive change.

It’s like learning to navigate by the stars – it takes more time and effort, but the skills you gain can guide you anywhere.

Busting Myths About Coaching Approaches

Now, let’s bust a few myths, shall we?

First up: ‘One approach is superior to the other.’ That’s nonsense. Both have their place and can be incredibly effective in the right context.

Next: ‘Transformational coaching is just a buzzword.’

Not true.

While some people may throw the term around lightly, genuine transformational coaching can create profound change.

As Ann Hill, one of our Paseda360 graduates, shared, “Most coach training gets into the mechanics and the tools and techniques of training, and they try to get you to an outcome. What they don’t do is focus on what’s been limiting you, and the experiences that you’ve built up over a lifetime that you don’t even remember, that are influencing how you behave today, how you feel today, how you see yourself in the world today.”

And finally: ‘Traditional coaching is outdated.’

Not at all.

While newer methods offer exciting possibilities, traditional coaching still has a lot to offer.

The Future of Coaching

Looking to the future, I believe we’ll see more integration of different approaches. The coaching industry is evolving, and the most effective coaches will be those who can flexibly adapt their approach to meet their clients’ needs.

In conclusion, both traditional and transformational coaching have their place in the coaching landscape.

Traditional coaching offers structure and clear goal-setting, while transformational coaching provides depth and holistic change. The key is finding the approach that resonates with you and serves your needs.

As Helen Bowling, one of our graduates, summed it up: “If someone’s thinking about it, then yeah, jump in and do it. The great thing about training is not only that you learn the opportunity to gain new skills and different things to take back to your clients, which is obviously the main attraction, but also as a self-development journey, you find out a lot about yourself along the way, and that’s always really useful for people who want to continue to develop, learn, and grow.”

If you’re curious to learn more about these different coaching approaches, I’d love to invite you to explore further with us at Paseda360.

We offer a unique ‘whole spectrum’ method that combines elements from various coaching approaches, including both traditional and transformational techniques.

At Paseda360, our Advanced Practitioner Programme equips you with everything you need to become the coach who changes lives—both your clients’ and your own.

Ready to take that next step?

Join us for the webinar, and let’s start your transformation together.

Remember, the world of coaching is vast and varied. Whether you’re a coach or a potential client, keep exploring, keep learning, and trust your instincts. The right approach is out there for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Traditional coaching focuses on goal achievement, while transformational coaching aims for holistic change.
• Both approaches have their strengths and are suitable for different situations and client needs.
• The future of coaching likely involves integrating various approaches to meet diverse client needs.
• Choosing the right coaching approach depends on individual goals, preferences, and circumstances.
• Continuous learning and adaptability are key for coaches in the evolving coaching landscape.