What is vertical coaching? In Coach the Person, Not the Problem, Marcia Reynolds describes vertical coaching as transformational. She defines horizontal coaching as transactional. What is the difference? Transactional coaching stays at the tip of the iceberg, focusing only on results or behaviors. It is about the client deciding what to do or not do in a specific situation. Transactional coaching focuses only on the current problem and may be revisited each time a similar situation occurs. It is linear and externally focused on what to do next in each situation. Transformational coaching impacts the client in a deep way—going beneath the surface of the presenting topic into what the person needs to resolve within self in order to make a lasting change.

Vertical, or transformational coaching moves us beyond automatic thinking and day-to-day actions or behaviors. Transformational coaching focuses more on the internal—the emotions and thinking behind the behaviors we engage in automatically and the results that spring from our actions. Vertical coaching causes us to examine not only what we want to DO, but also who we want/need to BE—not only in our current situation but also in any similar situation. We have gone beyond solving each individual problem or situation that occurs for us. We have grown and developed so that we are more self-aware and capable of showing up differently for new and challenging situations.

The goal of vertical coaching is learning and development. As skilled coaches, we use committed listening and reflective inquiry to support our clients in examining their thoughts and emotions, offering them the space to determine not only a path forward but also internal growth and development which provides greater resilience and flexibility in facing future challenges.