Coach

by Hla Min

Updated : May 2025

Definition and use

• A coach is a vehicle to “carry” someone to a destination.
• The first use of coach described a teacher who “carried” a student over a tough examination.
• Later use of coach was in Athletic Development (e.g. coaching an individual or a team in a sports).

Types

There are

• Professional Coaches
• Certified Coaches
• Club Coaches

Differences with other professions

Therapy:
A therapist focuses on the past
Coaching:
A coach focuses on the future

Consulting:
A consultant helps to solve a problem (of a company or a client)
Coaching:
A coach provides suggestions and frameworks (that can be used by the client, who is accountable for solving the problem)

Mentoring:
A mentor may advise, counsel and coach
Coaching:
A coach focuses on coaching (and may not advise or counsel).

Training:
A trainer sets objectives for the trainee
Coaching:
A coach does not set objectives for the client/individual. The client/individual sets objectives for himself/herself.

Athletic Development:
An athletic developer directs behavior of individuals and teams based on the developer’s experience and knowledge
Coaching:
A coach focuses on identifying opportunity for development based on individual strengths and capabilities

Toastmaster

On the path to DTM, one has to serve as Club Coach or Mentor.