There is a clear distinction between “critical thinking” and coaching. In critical thinking it is a great idea to keep asking “why” until you get to the bottom of things. And once you found the root cause of the problem, you can try to address it with a plan. We have nothing against that. Coaching, however, is not the same as critical thinking. It is a conversation between two people that is solution oriented, and aims to let the other person get into action mode again, after a confusing time. And let’s not forget: coaches are not licensed therapists! 

For example:

Coachee: I just don’t know how to approach this stakeholder!

Coach (who thinks they are a therapist): why not?

Coachee: I don’t know, he reminds me of my father

Coach (takes on a Freud pose): so, why do you find it hard to approach your father? 

Coachee: well, he always treated me distantly and cold

Coach: why?

Coachee: I don’t know, maybe he was disappointed in me?

Coach: why?

Coachee: because I never followed in his footsteps as a factory supervisor…

Coach: why did you never?

Coachee: because of how he treated my mother, really!

As you can see, the work related conversation has now spiraled into a very personal, therapy like conversation, where the coach is swimming in the ocean of incompetence. What does this coach really know about childhood trauma and how to get over that? We are telling you, that is not in the curriculum of the International Coaching Federation!

A solution oriented coach (for example at no-nonsense.coach) steers clear from those why- questions and keeps the conversation in the here-and-now. 

And in no time, the coachee is back in action-mode, to approach new challenges in the workplace, where they add value to the organization, instead of balled up in the fetal position on the sofa. 

“Tell me what happens when you approach this stakeholder?”

“What is the hard part?”

“What are you thinking before encountering this stakeholder?”

“What is your strategy when approaching this stakeholder?”

Etc. etc. 

Experience it yourself! Request a free intake at no-nonsense.coach