ABSTRACT
This chapter determines a coach's presence to a great extent the outcome of the coaching engagement and the establishment of rapport. It also shares some basic guidelines that can be applied in practice: Balance pace, Balance (dis)position, Balance frequency, Balance proximity. The chapter presents the elements of presence, unlike skills, which cannot be perfected through a structured, linear and orderly methodological approach. Qualities of presence, unlike skills, are primarily dependent on experience and secondarily on expertise. Presence develops primarily in an unconscious competence realm and secondarily in a conscious competence framework. Presence elements are, primarily, reflexively at work. Skills are actively applied. Finding and modelling balance as an executive coach is vital. It provides a sense of stability and soberness for the client and renders the coaching sessions a safe place within which the coachee can take risks.
