THE SKILL OF EMPATHY IN COACHING

One of the characteristics that distinguish a great coach from a good coach is the skill of empathy (Michael Hall, ACMC Sydney Dec 2017). And so, why is this? Research from psychotherapy and coaching shows that the critical success factor that allows the client to get their outcome, is their relationship with the coach. This is over and above what methodology the coach uses. Wasylyshyn (2003) concluded from his outcome study of executive coaching that the top three personal characteristics of an executive coach are:

1. Ability to form a strong connection with the executive (86%)

2. Professionalism (82%)

3. The use of a clear and sound methodology (35%).