ABSTRACT
The coach’s first task is to create a strong enough container for the work. Developmental coaching, be that in the individual or group/workshop context, requires a holding environment that provides the protection, support, and psychological safety, as well as pressure and friction, to be able to engage in challenging inner work and relational contact. Creating the optimal experiential and environmental conditions that make for growth and development is an underestimated yet fundamentally important aspect of the coach’s role. In terms of outcomes, it ranks as one of the most important critical success factors. This chapter identifies those conditions.
