There are 2 types of coaches one can be, pure or hybrid.

Pure coaching is about partnering with clients in a coequal relationship, where you elicit solutions from them by posing thought-provoking, open-ended questions and reflective inquiry without directly offering advice.

Most gurus, including the International Coaching Federation (ICF), recommend pure coaching. It has its merits but some drawbacks.

When folks develop their own solutions, they feel empowered, self-motivated, and are more committed to following through on goals because it's their idea for fixing concerns they helped diagnose.

Probing inquires enable us to uncover clients' needs, desires, values, insights, issues, limiting beliefs, inconsistencies, etc. You don't want to make assumptions. When done with silence, sharp observation, and undivided attention, powerful breakthroughs occur.

Pure coaching is great for coaches who lack certain life experiences, especially young coaches. You don't need to have accomplished what your clients are trying to achieve. The right questions alone can compel customers to brainstorm and craft solutions that are already inside them.

It sounds great and it is, but there are disadvantages. Many clients lack the knowledge needed to know the right course of action. That is why they hire coaches for their expertise.

Most folks aren't going to pay thousands of dollars just to have you interview them. I wouldn't. If you can't either, you're not going to convince others to do so. Consumers pay big money for clearly defined, tangible deliverables based on a pre-existing framework.

Without any direct guidance or feedback, the path to transformation will be awfully slow. Additionally, a client's choices can be plain wrong and retard their progress. You cannot just sit back and allow that.

Hybrid coaching permits you to combine the pros of pure coaching while eliminating the cons. How so? In addition to great inquiries, share your stories of what worked for you, while providing tailored, flexible suggestions, exercises, drills, training, tests, homework, etc.

It is a delicate balancing act of pure coaching and mentorship. Clients want to learn from your lived experience and wisdom, as they look up to you as an inspiring role model.

However, there are potential pitfalls to watch out for. What worked for you may not work for them. Everyone is different and each individual must be given the space to find the right path for their own unique journey. No two clients will follow the same gameplan. Run from any coach offering a one-size-fits-all program. It doesn't exist.

Your subjective views, beliefs, thoughts, skills, talents, and style may not exactly align with your client's core values, preferences, experiences, circumstances, strengths, and opinions 100%. This is why asking powerful questions are mandatory. Be wary of your biases and possibly outdated ideas. Be open-minded and nimble with clients.

Avoid being a drill sergeant who loudly barks orders. This disempowers clients and goes against the human need for autonomy. Resentment will build. The coaching relationship is meant to be coactive.

So what is the proper ratio of asking questions vs offering advice? It all depends. Everyone hates that answer but it's true. You must adapt to each paying customer like water taking the shape of its container. Some folks will need 50/50, some will need 60/40, while others require 80/20. Factor in your own experiences as well. If you don't have any, you can attempt 100/0. Good luck with that last ratio. You're going to need it.