It was Nancy Kline who first coined the term ‘thinker’ in 1999. The phrase didn’t really take off, and in the coaching world we still refer to the person being coached as the coachee or client.
Yet what they really are is thinkers.

Coaching works because it provides an opportunity for thinking. Yes, we know the brain is constantly ‘thinking’, providing us with millions of pieces of information a day and often driving us to distraction!
This is a different type of thinking. With the right coach (chemistry is everything), the coaching space can open a world of possibility. There is something exquisite about truly being given time to think, with no expectations or pressures. The right coach will create and maintain the space for you, and hold your objectives gently, prompting you with pertinent questions when needed.
But thinking is only half of the story. When was the last time you were genuinely listened to? Because in any coaching relationship, it is your coach’s job to listen intently. And perhaps most importantly, to listen with no judgement.
Lost In Translation?
If you ever turn your attention to our language and conversational habits (try listening to the next-door table next time you’re sipping your flat white), you’ll notice that we speak over each other all the time. We digress constantly as the talk ebbs and flows, and our attention may be diverted any number of times. It’s difficult to record this type of communication in words as it’s often so overlapped and nuanced with expression.
This is not what a coaching conversation is.
In fact, perhaps it’s a bit of a misnomer to call it a conversation at all. The thinker is invited to bring the topic they want to explore in that moment. They then lead the interaction, never or rarely interrupted by the coach. The coach will ask questions to deepen the thinking beyond surface level thoughts. Why? Because in this precious hour or ninety minutes your coach wants you to uncover new thinking.
You Already Have The Answers
This new thinking is a wealth of information and wisdom that is pivotal in igniting change. And it was always yours; your coach didn’t need to suggest it or lead you to it. (In fact, it is the coach’s responsibility not to do this!)
The conditions absolutely need to be right for new thinking to be uncovered. As previously mentioned, chemistry is important. It is vital that you feel comfortable with your coach. The coaching space needs to be as distraction free as possible, so that both parties can focus and be entirely present in the moment. If you’re on a walk and talk, your devices are switched off. Your intention and the coach’s intention need to be clear. As well as understanding what this is in an initial discovery call, you’ll then be likely to receive a coaching contract, and further contracting can happen at the start of or even during a conversation.

Whilst it might appear to you that your coach isn’t doing very much, they are orchestrating various strands of information, intention, knowledge and respect to intertwine beautifully. All so that you can have the opportunity to think. To begin to explore and potentially change your paradigm, to be able to live the life you want to live in the way you want to live it.
Coaching works because all these factors come together to enable you to do this. It is highly skilful and incredibly rewarding for both parties.
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