Types of Coaching.

Before we move on to describing the different types of coaching, I would first like to say a few words to you, to me, and to anyone else who has used or will use any form of personal development support.

An attempt to "classify" such a multidimensional being as a human is, in my opinion, doomed to failure by definition. Why am I writing about this? Because always, in every development work, the human is at the center. A human with their history, experiences, personality, knowledge, beliefs, emotions, faiths, individual environment, and the intertwining of all these elements.

In my opinion, it is difficult to divide such a person into separate, non-overlapping "pieces", e.g., "work-self" and "life-self" (or private-self). And when conducting any coaching, it is impossible to forget this, because often (if not always), the client's professional life affects their private life and vice versa. And, for example, unconscious beliefs can cause specific emotional reactions not only at work.

On the other hand, as humans, we are equipped with a cognitive apparatus (i.e., the senses, brain, and mind), and we feel good when we can organize and "classify" something to begin to understand and recognize it in the reality around us. So I will show you a list of types of coaching, taking into account the most precise criteria for division.

I would also like to sensitize you to the quality of information available on this subject on various coaching portals. Especially American publications, which are fond of phrases such as "10 ultimate types of coaching revealed".

The logic I have adopted is first the criteria for dividing types of coaching, and then consistently assigning individual development activities to a given type. I will also try to define the adopted criteria as precisely as possible.

When writing about coaching types, it is also worth remembering that the keyword "coaching" itself comes from English, and we do not always have good, unambiguous equivalents in Polish.

For example, Life Coaching can be referred to as Personal Coaching. And terms such as Executive Coaching or First Time Manager Coaching are difficult to translate neatly and unambiguously into Polish. And that is why it is sometimes worth sticking to the original English terms defining the type of coaching work selected.

Coaching isn't therapy, mentoring, or counseling. Learn the key differences.

Before delving into the types of coaching, it's worth explaining what coaching isn't. It's often confused with therapy, counseling, or mentoring, even though these are different forms of support:

Therapy focuses on treating mental disorders, working through traumas and problems from the past to enable healthy functioning in the present.
Coaching focuses on the present and future and doesn't assume that the client has something to fix. On the contrary, it's based on the premise that each person has rich development potential and should be helped to discover it. The coach doesn't provide ready-made solutions, but rather, through asking questions and using appropriate tools, helps the client discover the best path to achieving their goals.
Mentoring is a relationship in which a more experienced person (mentor) shares their knowledge and gives advice and guidance to a less experienced person.
Counseling is providing advice based on knowledge of a selected field. For example, career counseling involves advising a client based on knowledge of the current labor market situation.

If you would like to learn more about the question "What is coaching?" and how it differs from other support methods, please visit our dedicated page "Coaching or Mentoring." You'll find inspiring graphics that illustrate the subtle differences.

Types of Coaching - Let's First Learn the Criteria for Division.

Now let's get to know the main criteria for dividing coaching types:

Individual vs. team coaching.
Industry coaching (e.g., sports) vs. business coaching vs. life coaching.
Coaching adults vs. adolescents.

Each of these work methods can be effectively conducted both in-person and online. Experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting research have confirmed that coaching remains effective remotely.

Within each of them, we can also distinguish different variants of specialized coaching, which focus on a selected narrow area.

Types of Coaching - Individual Coaching.

The simplest way to define the division of coaching types is simply by establishing a relationship in which one coach works individually with one person, called the coachee or client.

Types of Coaching - Team Coaching.

It is a relationship in which a coach (and sometimes a pair of coaches) works with a team or a group. Team coaching can perform various functions depending on the goal chosen for the team. Therefore, in the area of team coaching, we can provide the following types of teamwork.

Team Coaching (Basic).

The team works on a jointly agreed goal or task that addresses the team as a whole or the needs defined by the team leader. The team leader may or may not participate in coaching.

Examples of working techniques are as follows:

Feedback.
Individual learning through experience, experimenting, comparing.
Creative thinking sessions (e.g. brainstorming).
Exchange of experiences and active drawing conclusions, also from own and other people's mistakes.
Joint creation of good practice lists.

Team Coaching - Individual in the Group.

Team members work in a group for themselves and for the group as a whole. A subject or problem that is universal or one that can be universalized (e.g., a new business project imposed on a team) is analyzed. Everyone plays the same role in the coaching group, i.e., each participant has equal and full rights to speak.

Examples of activities during such a session are as follows:

Answering questions asked by both the Coach and other group participants.
Providing feedback.
Coach's attention to ensure that each participant has a voice on each key issue.
Summarizing, determining conclusions, and recording them.

An example of a method often used is Action Learning.

Team Coaching - Individual at the background of the Group.

In this version, the individual works with their dilemma, topic, or goal. However, the group acts as a background while providing simultaneously active feedback.

Thus, the group acts as a "collective coach" for the benefit of the individual and does so, for example, by:

Role-play and participation in practical exercises.
Active presence.
Exchange of experiences.

The result of coaching against the background of the group is, on the one hand, the development of the individual and gaining a sense of group support, and on the other, "by the way", benefits for all group members (thanks to participation, exchange of experiences, and self-reflection).

Types of Coaching - Industry Coaching.

In the case of industry coaching, we focus on the needs of a specific professional group. Therefore, we can distinguish the following specialized types:

Sports coaching focuses on mentally preparing athletes to achieve peak performance.
Sales coaching.
For lawyers (there is one!).
For teachers.
For doctors.
For expats (i.e., foreigners delegated to work in another country).
For private micro-entrepreneurs.
Agile coaching – supports teams and organizations in implementing agile work methodologies such as Scrum.

Types of Coaching - Business Coaching.

For the purposes of our discussion, business coaching will be understood as developmental support for the roles we assume in the workplace. This applies to both individual and organizational development.

Therefore, we can distinguish the following types of work with the client.

Executive Coaching.

This work with leaders at the highest levels requires the coach to have a deep understanding of the business context. The support focuses on complex challenges such as managing organizational change, building organizational culture, developing emotional intelligence in leadership, and making high-risk decisions.

Often, this involves working with the so-called "lonely leader", where the coach becomes a trusted conversation partner, helping them gain a new perspective under conditions of immense pressure and responsibility. Confidentiality, partnership, and strategic thinking are key to this relationship.

Some of the most common issues board members come to me about are the stress of high responsibility and managing company politics. Unfortunately, the higher the position, the more politics play a role.

Managerial Coaching or Leadership Coaching.

It is a support for managers, leaders, and all those who professionally play a managerial role. The scope of the managerial coaching activity is wide, as by its nature it covers the full range of activities of the team leader.

First Time People Manager Coaching.

Promoting from specialist to team leader is one of the most difficult career transitions. It requires a fundamental shift in identity — from "expert who gets things done" to "leader who achieves goals through the hands of others."

Coaching for new leaders/managers focuses on the key challenges of this stage: setting goals, organizing work, planning, delegating tasks, providing constructive feedback, motivating the team, and managing conflict. It's a wise investment that helps them avoid common mistakes and build a solid foundation for their future management career.

If I could share just one piece of advice with someone newly promoted to a leadership position, it would be this: Find a wise and experienced mentor to help you navigate this important transition. This will help you avoid making as many mistakes as you would without their support.

Career Coaching.

Here, in turn, we are talking about support for a person who wants to choose or design their professional career. It is often helpful for people who are "stuck" in their work. Or for those who are looking to become aware of their strengths and talents, and, therefore, an appropriate choice of a profession that will bring them a sense of professional fulfillment.

At this point, I cannot resist one digression: people who offer support in writing a CV and help in preparing for a job interview also call themselves Career Coaches. I cannot agree with that.

High Potential or Talent Coaching.

In the environment of large corporations, dedicated development programs are more and more often designed and carried out for employees who are considered to be people with high development potential. This applies in particular to management positions at various levels.

The set of various development activities also includes individual coaching (or mentoring) offered to such "talents". Its goal is to maximize and accelerate the realization of the potential that, according to the evaluators, a given person has. And the best use of this potential is for the benefit of the company.

Often, therefore, it will be a mixture of the above-mentioned Leadership Coaching and Career Coaching.

Types of Coaching - Life Coaching.

Life coaching involves supporting individuals in various life roles they fulfill outside of work. This type of coaching can also be described as tailored support for life change, tailored to the client's needs. This is because the need for it typically arises in the face of major changes, difficulties, or crises.

Examples of such situations include a radical change of job (e.g., through a move abroad), transitioning to a new stage in life (e.g., parenthood), the need to develop the ability to build satisfying relationships with loved ones (due to serious family conflicts), or difficulties with life balance. This type of change coaching is also referred to as life coaching.

Specialized types of life coaching.

Beyond the main categories, there are many narrow specializations that address specific client needs. Here are the most important examples:

Spiritual coaching – helps individuals find meaning in life and connect with their values.
Relationship coaching – supports couples and singles in building healthy and fulfilling relationships.
Health and wellness coaching – helps implement lasting changes in lifestyle, diet, and physical activity.
Financial coaching – focuses on managing personal finances, building healthy habits, and achieving financial goals.
Burnout coaching – supports employees (especially leaders) through the difficult period of mental and physical burnout caused by work.
Assertiveness coaching – teaches how to set boundaries and communicate effectively with others without violating their boundaries.

Other examples of narrow specializations include:

For women.
For men.
For people with ADHD.
For people with HSP.
Motivational.
Dating.
Parenting.

I would especially like to highlight parenting coaching, which helps clients cope with the challenges of being a mom or dad. It's a powerful task, and no one prepares us for this crucial life role. This type of coaching is not yet widespread in Poland, but it enjoys considerable recognition and popularity in Western European countries, particularly in the UK.

One of my narrow specializations is coaching highly sensitive people. HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) is a relatively new psychological concept describing people with a specific type of nervous system. This biological characteristic causes them to think more deeply and react differently than the majority of the population. Such coaching teaches them how to transform their unique trait into a strength.

Coaching related to adolescents.

An adolescent is a person who has not yet reached the age of majority. Increasingly, we are seeing initiatives aimed at helping teenagers in various practical ways. Personally, I really like this idea. And if the world's education system followed this path and practically prepared young people for life, I would be very happy.

What should you consider when choosing a coach? Whom should you entrust with supporting your personal development? Does it work online?

When choosing a coach, it's crucial to verify their experience, qualifications, and membership in reputable professional organizations. This ensures they work in accordance with international standards and codes of ethics.

The two most important certifying organizations in Poland and internationally are the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). A coach accredited by these organizations has completed rigorous training, has documented practice hours, and is subject to supervision, demonstrating professionalism and commitment to development.

I also encourage you to visit the next place on our coaching portal. This comprehensive guide is very helpful for those looking for an answer to the question: " How to choose a coach?" You will find there, among other things, an important explanation of the difference between accreditation and certification.

What does a typical coaching process look like?

Although each coaching process is tailored to the individual needs of the client, it typically follows specific steps:

Initial consultation (zero session): This is a non-binding meeting during which the client and coach get to know each other, discuss goals, and check if there is a 'chemistry' between them for cooperation.
Coaching contract: after the decision to cooperate, formal rules are established: main goal, number and frequency of sessions, confidentiality, costs and method of communication.
Regular sessions: Periodic meetings (e.g., every two weeks) during which the client works on achieving their goals. The coach asks questions, uses tools, and supports the client in finding solutions.
Work between sessions: the client is often given tasks to complete that help them implement new habits and perspectives in their daily life.
Conclusion and summary: the process ends with a summary session where the achieved results, conclusions, and a plan for further independent development are discussed.

Personally, I prefer a collaboration where (at least initially) we meet once a week. My experience shows that this helps clients settle into their new role more quickly and easily. It also accelerates the development of trust, which is absolutely crucial in a coaching relationship.

Moreover, this approach makes the first results visible after just 4 weeks, which encourages the client to continue working.

Empowerment Coaching Kraków offers a rich library of free development tools. These include various tests, exercises, and self-reflection tools. We use these as "homework" between sessions, which deepens and accelerates the entire process.

What tools are used in coaching?

The coaching process is more than just conversations. Professional coaches use a variety of tools to stimulate creativity, deepen reflection, and help clients achieve their goals. Popular methods include:

A personality test that helps summarize a comprehensive self-image. In our case, it's free.
Archetype cards or metaphor cards help uncover unconscious patterns of thought and behavior by working with symbols and metaphors.
The Wheel of Life – a simple yet powerful tool for assessing satisfaction levels in various areas of life (career, finances, health, relationships) and setting development priorities.
The Ikigai Diagram – an exercise that helps you discover your "reason for being." Particularly useful when searching for a career aligned with your personal values.
The Johari Window – an exercise that helps you communicate with others and reveals the sources of negative perceptions.
Timeline – a visualization technique that allows clients to view their past, present, and future from a new perspective, plan goals, and identify resources.

Empowerment Coaching Kraków has created its own library of free tools to support the coaching process.

The most important of these include:

How Emotions Are Made – a mini e-book that helps manage emotional states.
The Engaging Leader Question Library – a mini e-book for business leaders that explains how to increase employee psychological safety and engagement.
The 50 Most Important Cognitive Biases Library – graphic cards that help identify flawed thinking patterns.
The Job Satisfaction Wheel – a tool that allows you to quickly determine your level of job satisfaction measured in 8 areas.
The Consent Wheel – a tool for analyzing relationships with any person.
The Best Possible Job – a comprehensive exercise that enables you to create a picture of your ideal professional future self and define specific criteria met by your best possible job.
Listening Skills Quiz – a test that assesses your ability to listen to others.
Assertiveness Test – a test that examines your typical attitude in relationships and validates your level of assertiveness.
My Last Day on Earth – an exercise aimed at realizing your key personal values.

We also invite you to learn more about our philosophy of human, leader, and organizational development.

How much does coaching cost?

The cost of coaching varies and depends on many factors, such as the experience and reputation of the coach, specialization (e.g., executive coaching is usually more expensive than life coaching), and the form of cooperation (individual sessions, packages, group coaching).

In Poland, prices for one business coaching session can range from PLN 700 to even PLN 7,200 when working with top-level managers.

The price of individual life coaching starts from PLN 250 for a 1-hour session.

Our rates and terms of service are clearly displayed on a dedicated page. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with them.

It is worth treating coaching as an investment in your professional and personal development, which brings tangible benefits.

One last digression: find out what it's like with professional coaching?

Finally, I want to share one reflection. There's a lot of confusion surrounding "coaching." We encounter both numerous abuses of this valuable form of support for human development, as well as many undeserved, extremely negative opinions that completely devalue or even condemn the work of a coach with a client. A sad example of this trend is the use of the Polish term "kołcz".

As the wise saying goes:

"Knowledge makes everything simple."

I encourage you to make the effort to read various sources of information, compare them, and draw your own conclusions.

And just as nothing better than democracy has been invented in the realm of social life, so too in the realm of entrepreneurship we have nothing better than the free market. The free market offers everyone enormous opportunities. But not everyone can combine freedom with responsibility.

History shows the diverse paths people take when they see opportunities in new things. Furthermore, our world is changing at an ever-increasing pace and becoming increasingly complex. After all, the Internet itself is democratizing life, isn't it?

The concept of "coach" is already appearing in the field of project management. It seems that the role of "SCRUM Coach", for example, has become a permanent fixture in the business world. The " Agile Project Management" methodology has developed so much that separate certifications are now available.

So, I have a huge request for you. Before you judge or, in today's fast-paced world, quickly assign a label to something, before you decide what coaching supports and what doesn't, first make the effort to search various coaching portals, gather and verify information, and then understand it. Especially in such an important area as your development and its support.

Return to the "Definitions and Knowledge Compendium" page.

Types of Coaching - Empowerment Coaching Krakow