Before I was a coach, I was a journalist. At first glance, coaching and journalism may seem like two entirely different fields. However, they share a surprising number of similarities. Both professions rely on keen observation, curiosity, and the ability to ask the right questions. In fact, coaching can be viewed as a form of journalism—one that helps clients tell their own story, identify patterns, and gain clarity. Here are five ways coaching mirrors journalism:
In journalism, storytelling is everything. The journalist must weave facts, emotions, and perspectives into a compelling narrative. Similarly, in coaching, clients often come with fragments of their own story—successes, challenges, aspirations, and fears. As a coach, my job is to help clients connect the dots and craft a coherent narrative that makes sense of their experiences and paves the way for their future. The power of storytelling helps clients realize that they are the authors of their journey.
Journalists are trained to sift through masses of information to find the "heart" of the story—the central theme that gives meaning to the narrative. In coaching, the coach similarly helps clients cut through noise, distractions, and self-doubt to identify the core issue or opportunity. Whether it’s a career transition, leadership challenge, or personal development goal, coaching helps clients focus on the most important aspect of their situation, leading to greater insight and progress.
Both journalists and coaches excel at making sense of complexity. A good journalist knows how to sift through conflicting reports, varied sources, and data to find patterns that reveal the truth. In coaching, clients often feel overwhelmed by competing priorities or emotions. Coaches guide them to spot recurring themes, underlying values, or limiting beliefs, helping clients find clarity and develop a structured plan for moving forward.
Effective interviewing is at the core of both professions. Journalists ask probing questions to uncover truths, challenge assumptions, and reveal insights that may otherwise remain hidden. Coaches do the same in their sessions. They ask open-ended, reflective questions that encourage clients to think deeply and explore new perspectives. Just like a skilled journalist, a coach listens actively and without judgment, guiding the conversation toward meaningful breakthroughs.
In journalism, debates and complex issues require structure to avoid confusion and chaos. A journalist brings clarity by providing context, presenting facts, and offering a balanced view. Similarly, coaches help clients navigate their inner debates and external conflicts. By offering frameworks and tools, we provide structure to help clients explore different options, weigh pros and cons, and make informed decisions.
Coaching, like journalism, brings order to complexity, ensuring that the client’s journey is well-guided and purposeful. In both fields, the ultimate goal is to uncover the truth—whether it’s the truth behind a news story or the truth of a client’s potential. Coaching, like journalism, is about discovery, growth, and helping people to see things more clearly.