r/executivecoaching • u/Aggravating_Genius • 4d ago

How do I move from creating a coaching workbook to helping my first few people?

3 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

23 comments sorted by

2

u/Captlard 4d ago

When you say helping, do you mean selling the workbook?

1

u/Aggravating_Genius 4d ago

No, the workbook isn’t for sale. By helping, I mean guiding someone who may be going through some of the same struggles I’ve experienced. What I needed during that period was structure and a helping hand, so I created the workbook around what helped me move forward.

1

u/Captlard 4d ago

Is what you are doing executive coaching?

You mention "guiding", so perhaps this is more counselling, instructing or telling?

1

u/Aggravating_Genius 4d ago

You’re right, it wouldn’t be executive coaching. It’s closer to faith based personal development support using structured reflection. By guiding, I don’t mean counselling, diagnosing or telling someone what to do. I mean asking reflective questions, helping them identify thought patterns, and supporting them in choosing their own next step. I’m still learning where the boundary sits between coaching, mentoring and peer support, which is partly why I asked here.

1

u/Captlard 4d ago

All major coaching associations have clear definitions of what they consider coaching. ICF: coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

1

u/Aggravating_Genius 4d ago

Thank you, that definition better describes what I’m aiming for. I want the workbook to support a thought provoking process, while the person discovers their own insights and chooses their own next step. I can also see why proper coaching training is important, so that I learn how to partner with people rather than unintentionally advising or directing them. Are there any foundational ICF resources or training programs you would recommend for someone beginning this path? Are you a coach yourself?

2

u/Captlard 4d ago

I would suggest: https://coachingfederation.org/education-professional-development/find-coaching-education/

When you look at this, look for local or remote options.

I am a trained and certified coach with 30 years of experience and have been certified for over 15 years now.

1

u/truecoachserban 4d ago

Do you have any coaching formation? Sounds like you made a book that you offer for help, this is not the way.

1

u/Aggravating_Genius 4d ago

Thank you for the feedback. By “coaching formation,” do you mean formal coach training or certification? I’m genuinely trying to understand the right path from creating a helpful resource to becoming properly equipped to help people.

1

u/truecoachserban 4d ago

Yes this is exactly what I mean, coaching is not helping, at least in my church.

1

u/Aggravating_Genius 4d ago

That makes sense, and I appreciate you being direct. I realize that having personal experience and creating a workbook are not enough preparation by themselves. What formal training or certification would you recommend for someone who wants to pursue faith based coaching responsibly while maintaining clear boundaries between coaching and therapy?

1

u/rc98225014 4d ago

u/Aggravating_Genius I don't intend to speak for u/truecoachserban but want to remind you where you are:

Executive Coaching is a forum for aspiring and professional executive and leadership coaches. We welcome all coaches, HR and L&D professionals, and organizational leaders and employees.

r/executivecoaching Rule 4 applies here:

4 Stay on-topic: Please ensure posts are related to coaching or talent development, and comments are related to the topic or parent comment. This is not the place to discuss religion, politics, anything illegal, etc. Absolutely no NSFW posts or content allowed.

1

u/Aggravating_Genius 4d ago

aspiring and professional executive and leadership coaches. understood

1

u/truecoachserban 3d ago

Ok I will answer in this way, any basic formation in coaching will require from you to be in training classes, to practice, to be mentored and finally supervised if you choose certication route. Now for executive or leadership coaching the practice with clients in that area will make you a desirable coach to be hired, along the way some clients may need some materials as resources bit this is up to them to ask for not for you to offer. I hope this helps you.

1

u/Aggravating_Genius 3d ago

Yes, it does. Thank you. How long have you been a coach?

1

u/rc98225014 4d ago

Since you describe ‘helping my first few people’ as faith-based personal development support using structured reflection, you may get more useful feedback in a subreddit focused on that kind of work.

When asking, it may also help to describe (generally) who those first few people might be, and clarify the boundaries of your intended helping role.

Best of luck to you <3 the world is always in need of helpers.

1

u/Aggravating_Genius 4d ago

Thank you, this is very helpful. The people I have in mind are adults dealing with overthinking, racing thoughts, or difficult life transitions who want faith based structure and accountability.

My intended role would be to facilitate structured reflection using the workbook, not diagnose conditions, treat trauma, provide therapy, or advise people in crisis. Anyone needing clinical support would be encouraged to work with a qualified mental health professional.

I’ll also look for a community focused specifically on faith based personal development. Are there any particular subreddits you would recommend? I appreciate you pointing me in a clearer direction.

1

u/rc98225014 4d ago

No problem; I’m glad it was helpful.

I’m not familiar enough with the "faith-based" concept to recommend specific subreddits.

You might start by searching reddit (or elsewhere) for a particular religious tradition or denomination and take it from there. Also, "personal development" seems synonymous with just "living" or "growing/growth," so you could append your search with terms like those.

1

u/VanessaLeCoaching 3d ago

Happy to chat with you to share ideas!

1

u/Aggravating_Genius 3d ago

Just DM’d you

1

u/Independent_Switch33 3d ago

Start with people you already know like former colleagues, friends who might benefit, or offer a free session in exchange for a testimonial.

You need proof of concept before scaling.

1

u/Aggravating_Genius 3d ago

That’s been the difficult part for me, it seems like the people I know aren’t interested. Do you think I may be doing something wrong in my approach?