When you’re in a situation it can be hard to recognise that you are in it. We all know that feeling when a friend comes to us describing a dilemma (generally an emotional one) looking for advice, and we think it’s a no brainer. In fact, it can often be that we’re wondering why they are even asking at all. You know if the boot were on the other foot, they would instantly give you the same steer.

One of the questions that comes up a lot for new coaches (and I expect to a degree, potential clients who wonder what coaching is like) is around whether coaching is about challenging or cheerleading. A good coach will do both, but the real skill is in knowing how much of each is required, for who and when.