What we mean when we say 'coaching'.

'Coaching' is the most overloaded word in our industry. It means mentoring, it means therapy, it means giving advice, it means tough love. Often all in the same sentence.

At Bosskay, we use a tighter definition borrowed from the ICF: coaching is a thinking partnership. The coach doesn't have the answer. The coach holds the space for the client to find theirs.

That matters because the work is different.

If you want someone to tell you what to do — get a consultant or a mentor. If you want someone to challenge how you're thinking — get a coach. If you want someone to help you process trauma — see a therapist.

The best leaders we work with use all three at different moments, and they're clear about which is which.