In the mid 16th century, the word “coach” meant a large four-wheeled covered carriage. It came from the French term coche and also from the Hungarian word kocsi, which meant “carriage”. Carriages were named that way because superior carts and wagons were designed in the small town of Kocs in Hungary.

The meaning we use today originated at Oxford University in 1830. Back then, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary, this word was a slang term for a tutor who would “carry” a student through an exam.

If you think about it, this meaning still makes sense today. As coaches, we “carry” our clients from one state to another. In essence, the word we use today is a metaphor.

Coaching is used to improve performance, achieve goals, and obtain desired results. We use the Co-Active Coaching model, which requires the coach to use a broad range of communication skills, including listening, asking powerful questions, making insightful comments, offering encouragement, and giving sincere praise. We partner to offer fresh perspectives, helping our clients align their values, recognize biases, and surmount obstacles to learning.