In my recent mentor coaching session, I explored with my mentee a foundational concept: every coaching session is, at its heart, about change. Clients come to the table seeking transformation. They may not always articulate it in those terms, but behind every goal, question, or dilemma is a desire to move from where they are to somewhere new.

​The Common Pitfall: Getting Lost in the Story
Coaches, especially those in the early stages of their journey, often find themselves captivated by the stories their clients bring. It’s easy to get absorbed—after all, these stories are compelling, intricate, and full of detail. But great coaching isn’t about solving the story; it’s about coaching the person inside the story.

​The Search for Balance
"There’s so much going on—personally and at work—I just need to find a way to reduce my stress. I need something that will help me navigate all this uncertainty."

My client came into the session with an urgent need: to find strategies that would help him manage the overwhelming uncertainty in his life. The world around him felt unpredictable, and he was looking for ways to stay grounded amidst the chaos.

​But as we explored further, it became clear that the answer wasn’t about controlling external circumstances—it was about finding stability within himself.

The Crossroads of Too Many Options
"I feel stuck. I’ve been doing the same thing for three years, and I need something new—but I don’t know what. There are just too many options."

My client entered the session feeling lost, overwhelmed by possibilities yet yearning for change. They wanted a plan, something structured to help them feel secure, to provide direction, to offer support. But as we peeled back the layers, it became clear that this wasn’t just about having a plan—it was about gaining clarity on what they truly wanted.

Coaching is about creating space for discovery and transformation. Coaches listen deeply and ask questions to guide clients toward meaningful insights. But sometimes, conversations become unfocused, and coaches rely on habits rather than intentional techniques. This can lead to sessions filled with repetition rather than real progress. By asking questions with purpose, coaches can create clarity and direction that move their clients forward.

​In my recent coaching session, I encountered a scenario where a client's initial determination on a fixed path was subtly narrowing his options. This experience powerfully demonstrated the role of coaching in broadening perspectives and opening up new possibilities. 
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My client was eager to convert his temp position into a full-time role at a large tech company but faced the pressure of a ticking clock with his visa application. Join me as we explore his journey from a confined viewpoint to an expansive vision of possibilities.

Coaching is about unlocking potential and guiding clients toward meaningful change. But often, clients approach sessions with tactical, surface-level goals. They believe solving a specific issue will unlock their happiness.

​For instance, a client might say they want to ace a job interview to land a higher-paying position. This is a solid starting point but fails to tap into the deeper motivations and barriers that define their journey. As coaches, we must intentionally go beyond what clients bring to the table, uncovering the layers beneath their stated goals.

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In 2015, I gave a presentation at ASUG together with my friend and customer Doug Ciolli from Southern California Edison. We presented again in 2016 on a related topic. In this post, I want to share the most important lessons that I take away from our 2015 presentation.