A recommendation made by a number of contributors to our publications (both online and print) is for mortgage originators to seek out the services of a business coach.
The International Coaching Federation has come out with a statement that defines what clients should and should not expect from their coaching relationship. Some of what ICF says makes a good coach/client relationship runs counter-intuitive to what many people might think.
For example, if the coach tells the client what to do, that is not coaching. ICF explains, "Coaching maintains that every client is creative, resourceful and whole. The coach's responsibility is to discover, clarify and align with what the client wants to achieve and encourage client self-discovery."
Coaching does not focus on resolving difficulties from one's past which could affect emotional functioning now. Rather, a coach places emphasis on action, accountability and follow-through.
A coach does not solve the client's problems. The assumption is that individuals or teams are capable of creating their own solutions with "the coach supplying supportive, discovery-based approaches and frameworks," ICF said.
The coach does not work on improving "less-than desired behaviors or weaknesses." Nor does a coach use his or her own personal experience to mentor or guide their client. ICF said mentoring, which is guiding the client based on one's own experience in a specific area of industry or career development, is sometimes confused with coaching.
"Remember, it is up to a client and a coach to decide the scope of their coaching agreement, which may include elements of consulting, mentoring or other services. In such cases, it is perfectly acceptable for a coach to use these approaches in addition to coaching," said ICF.
ICF issues a coaching credential. To find out more information or the name of someone who holds this designation, visit
