Coaching Competencies Deconstructed

The purpose of this capstone is to explore four qualities considered essential to professional coaching: authenticity, coaching presence, empathy, and openness. Through research in psychology and coaching literature, as well as interviews with experienced coach practitioners, this study first deconstructs each quality, and then creates a reconceptualization of each to enhance their use and understanding by novice and experienced professionals alike. As practitioners who are focused on human development, professional coaches are committed to developing ongoing mastery. One way to cultivate coaching competence is through Mindfulness Meditation. The attitudinal foundations of Mindfulness Meditation are highly relevant to coaching. Mindfulness Meditation, in particular, facilitates integration of several coaching qualities, and ultimately leads us to maximum resourcefulness and creativity for our clients.