In the last several years there has been tremendous growth in the field of coaching. The internet is filled with all kinds of information about life coaches, executive coaches, leadership coaches and performance coaches. What is it that distinguishes one from another? Understanding context and knowing how to create it is one of those distinguishing factors.

Everything has a context. A context is the space in which other things take place. Lines taken at random from an article are said to be taken out of context. The top of the desk where you do your work is the context for all of the things on it. Rain exists within the context of weather as a whole. In order for plants, trees and grass to grow, we need rain. In the middle of three days of cold damp drizzle and rain during a New England spring, it is difficult to maintain the contextual framework of weather in general, the need for it and its purpose. When we do, the rain is a blessing. When we don’t, we complain.

In our coaching work, we place the emphasis on understanding the context – the contextual framework in which the client is operating. What is a company’s context? What is an individual’s context? Understanding this framework offers up clues regarding the client’s decisions, actions, fears and goals. The most effective way of deciphering the contextual framework is by listening to the client and matching their intentions with their choices.

Context exists in every aspect of our lives. From the choices you make at work, to the plans you make for the upcoming weekend. Context is a powerful force that shapes so much of our lives. Take some time to look at your own life and see what contexts are at play. You can begin by looking at a goal you want to achieve. Explore how you are holding the goal and look to see how that is impacting what you are doing around it. You can also begin by looking at an activity or an upcoming event.

Exploring questions like these offer up an opportunity to examine the context at play. When a client understands the context and their role in creating it, they have a greater chance of achieving what they really want to achieve. Unfortunately, context is almost always created unconsciously and exists without awareness. Coaching creates a forum for individual and/or organizational reflection. Contexts that are created, nurtured and re-chosen from time to time provide a space in which intentions and goals can thrive.

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