ABSTRACT
In the first phase of the research into critical moments in coaching, we asked 72 relatively inexperienced coaches to answer the following question: ‘Describe briefly one critical moment (an exciting, tense or significant moment) with one of your coachees. Think about what was critical in the coaching journey, or a moment when you did not quite know what to do’. Analysis of these coach descriptions of critical moments showed that critical moments are primarily associated with doubts. Their doubts related to the relationship, to how to lead the session and to the boundaries around coaching. The specific doubts identified also appear to hold the following lessons for coaches: critical moments seem to be potential breakthrough moments. One might even say, the more the critical moments, the better the coaching. They are also important for coaches to learn about their own coaching.
