Coaching can’t be forced

Coaching conversations happen because the coach and coachee are mentally and emotionally prepared to interact. The coach needs to maintain the tension between his or her active involvement and curious detachment.

Coaches can learn how to ask the right questions and how to shut up long enough for the coachee to start having their own thoughts, but that isn’t enough for coaching to happen.

Coaches should feel alert, awake, and be fascinated by what they're doing. They should be fascinated by the person who is emerging as the conversation goes on.