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UK Coaching Team
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Rapport Building and Communicating We Are Undefeatable

What is Great Coaching?

The PEOPLE acronym spells out the answer – it is people that change people – and to leverage the full potential of participants, coaching should first and foremost be person-centred

The benefits of coaching go far beyond helping people become better athletes. Coaching positively and profoundly impacts on all aspects of people’s lives.

To help define what great coaching may look like, UK Coaching has devised its six key principles of great coaching.

Centred on the appropriate and easy-to-remember acronym PEOPLE – because coaching is all about people – these principles are:

P – Person centred
E – Empowering
O – Organised
P – Positive
L – Learning
E – Engaging

At the heart of all of this is the idea that people change people. Our Principles are centred on this word for that very reason. People change the lives of others. So if you want to make a change in your life go find a great coach who will help you be your best self."

UK Coaching consulted with over 500 individuals and Partner organisations and asked them what great coaching looked like to them, and how it made them feel. Their replies have been formulated into a series of statements that perfectly capture each of the six principles representing great coaching.

Real coaches discuss bringing the principles to life

Person centred

Great coaching makes me feel valued and better for being involved. My coach knows and understands me. I am included in the session.

Empowering

Great coaching makes me feel a sense of belonging. I’m asked what I think about the session, my feedback counts and I leave feeling motivated, inspired to learn and develop myself further.

Organised

Great coaching means I am safe. When I ask, it’s logical as to why we are doing things in the session to meet my goals. My coach is well prepared, instructions are clear and I know what the outcomes will be.

Positive

Great coaching makes me feel excited, inspired and glad I came along. My coach is with me every step of the way. Conversations are motivating, and feedback is helpful. I’m praised for the efforts I make in an environment where I thrive and flourish.

Learning

Great coaching means that my coach understands me, and wants to help me get better. I feel confident that I am progressing and achieving my goals. I learn something new every time.

Engaging

Great coaching means I feel involved and motivated. The sessions are creative, and get the best out of me. My coach adapts to meet my needs. I can’t wait to come back.

Coaching the Person in Front of You

Explore the principles of great coaching in more detail in our workshop, where you will discover how to be truly person-centred

Further learning

UK Coaching Duty to Care Digital Badge

Earn our free nationally recognised Digital Badge by demonstrating your thorough knowledge of the five pillars of Duty to Care (Safeguarding, Diversity, Inclusion, Mental Health, Well-being)

Find out more

Related Learning

  • Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity+ (2023)

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  • Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People Renewal

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  • Time2Learn

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Related Resources

  • Coaching the Person in Front of You: The Key to Helping Your Participants Thrive

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  • Top 10 Qualities You Need to be a Coach

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  • Strategies for Overcoming Common Coaching Challenges

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UK Coaching Team