The ICF describes coaching as “a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them [clients] to maximize their personal and professional potential”. The conversation is led by the client and the coach’s role is to encourage, support and challenge them as they work out what really matters to them, what goals they want to achieve and what is holding them back or what needs to change in order for them to reach them. A coach doesn’t provide advice or tell the client what to do. It’s enabling the client to find the answers and make the decisions that are the right ones for them. This helps them make progress and move forward with confidence.