Does a Coach Work With a Coach?

I was recently asked: "Do you, as a coach, need a coach?" My answer: Yes, but —

You might assume that since I’m a coach, supporting others understand themselves better, I must know myself like a path I’ve walked a thousand times.

So, why would I need a coach?

Even on a well-worn path, something new and surprising can still appear. And it does!

That’s why, as a coach, it’s great to have dedicated time and place to reflect on current personal and professional experiences. After all, my own situation or challenges shouldn’t color my interactions in coaching.

So, yes, — but I have multiple pathways to choose from.

Coaching

This is the 1:1 format I talk about all the time. It’s the dedicated space to work on personal and professional challenges, reflect on behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, and gain clarity.

"Get yourself a coach" is one of the pieces of advice I always give to those adding coaching to their service portfolio. In my opinion, you have to walk in the client's shoes before wholeheartedly stepping into the coach's role.

This is the same format I offer to leaders, business owners, and private individuals.

But for professional coaches, there’s more.

Supervision

You might know supervision from other professions where humans work with humans, like therapy, counseling, or social work. Especially when I was a less experienced coach, I regularly brought situations from my coaching practice to a more experienced coach.

Always anonymously, of course, and in agreement with all my clients. Through supervision, I get a fresh, outside perspective. I believe this format is crucial for staying professional as a coach.

Intervision

Intervision is similar to supervision, but the exchange happens among peers who are also coaches. I reflect on different approaches and both give and gain insights through a diversity of perspectives. Again, all of this is aimed at ensuring I’m supporting the people I work with in the best way possible.

Peer-to-Peer Coaching

This is pretty close to the coaching you’re familiar with – coaches coaching each other! It’s personal, it’s professional, and it’s all about growth.

The International Coaching Federation even organizes Peer-to-Peer Coaching rounds. You sign up, get your own coach, and in return, coach another coach. I’ve just signed up for such a round.

Mentor Coaching

Now, this is a more niche format, but it can be vital for refining coaching skills and core competencies. For me, mentor coaching is all about becoming more authentic in my work and improving my technique – sometimes down to a word-by-word level!

Depending on where I am in my journey, I choose the format that best supports me.

So, yes, as a coach, I keep on reflecting and evolving. It’s at the core of professional coaching.