This paper, written with Susan Rose, explores what the ultimate moral purpose of coaching is (the telos). It did this through interviews with experienced coaches and coaching clients. It results in a conceptual model of coaching that emphasises the purpose of coaching is to support the flourishing of the client through the development of self-awareness, identity and agency. These were found to link to two instrumental and subsidiary purposes which are ‘outcome’ and ‘movement’. This has implications for the professional nature of coaching, and also provides a tool for negotiating grey areas. It could also impact on education and development of coaches, as well as suggesting an approach to assessing the outcomes of coaching.
This paper has been published in the International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring. it can be accessed here.
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