Transformational! It’s the term that is repeatedly associated with the coaching experience. People seek coaches because they want to transform their life for the better. But can all coaching experiences evoke that positive transition? Transformational coaching is often altered with transactional coaching. You might think they are the same, but there are fundamental differences between the two. On that note, this blog will explain the distinguishing factors between transactional and transformational.
Define transactional coaching
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a transaction as the transfer or exchange of goods, funds, or services. It’s a give-and-take relationship. Transactional coaching is more like an approach rather than a specialization or category of coaching. Here, the coach helps the client to accomplish or fulfill a short-term objective or target. It can be for personal development or professional goal fulfillment. Transactional coaching enables the client to arrive at a conclusion influenced by an external action. The outcome is predicted beforehand, and accordingly, the coaching commences.
Here the focus remains on addressing the symptom of the problem and not the cause, which makes progress only temporary and not sustainable. There is always the risk of the problem not getting solved at its roots. Hence, transactional is like a fixer-upper rather than a sustainable solution.
Define transformational coaching
Transformation is a significant change in a person’s nature, behavior, and character. Here the coach will encourage the client to venture deeper to find the root cause of the problem and work on the underlying issues.
The goal is to focus on the future rather than holding on to past experiences. Transformational coaching is about setting a robust foundation for the client to build the future on it. It helps in bringing significant change to the thought process, approach, and perspective of the client. It leaves a long-lasting and sustainable impact.
Difference between transformational & transactional coaching
Now, let’s recount the differences between transformational and transactional coaching.
| TRANSACTIONAL COACHING | TRANSFORMATIONAL COACHING |
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These are some primary areas where transformational coaching differs from transactional coaching.
Conclusion
A coaching professional should know the difference between transformational and transactional coaching so they can offer services accordingly to the clients. It’s essential to identify what the client is seeking; the rest comes easily if you have had the appropriate training. If you are seeking an institute to learn the tools and techniques of transformational coaching, reach out to Coach Transformation Academy today!
