• Creates a safe environment in which people see themselves more clearly; the coach does this by listening, asking focused questions, reflecting back, challenging, and acknowledging the client
• Asks for more intentional thought, action, and behavior changes than the client would have asked of him or herself
• Clarifies goals and agreed-upon results
• Identifies gaps between where the client is and where the client needs or wants to be
• Helps the client develop a strong strategy and action plan to close the gap
• Understands and anticipates potential obstacles
• Guides the building of the structure, accountability, and support necessary to ensure sustained commitment

The Ken Blanchard Companies—a global leader in workplace learning, employee productivity, leadership and team effectiveness—now offers coaching to help people learn new concepts, cross the bridge from "learning" to "doing," and to help drive personal and organizational success.