About Coaching
Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and
creative process that inspires them to maximise
their individual and professional potential.
International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Coaching is a co-creative process in which, through partnership and dialogue, the coach helps the person to find answers to the questions that are important to him or her at the time.
This process helps people:
- Change the way you want to change;
- Overcoming thought barriers and limiting beliefs;
- Understanding the reasons for your behaviour;
- Discovering your inner sources of awareness and leadership;
- Developing an action plan and taking concrete action.
The coach believes that each person or team has the answers to their own challenges and problems, but recognises that sometimes external help is needed. The focus is on the client’s thought processes and the search for solutions. Coaching is based on trust and a strong relationship where change happens where the focus is – and that focus is always on the person/team and the potential available.
Coaching principles
To summarise, here are some of the key principles that apply in coaching sessions:
- Belief in potential. Coaching believes that everyone already has all the resources they need to become more successful. The focus is therefore on the person, not on the problem or challenge to be solved.
- Directed partnership. The coaching process takes the form of a trusting collaboration between the client and the coach. The coach is responsible for the structure and effectiveness of the process, while the client is responsible for the presentation, analysis and resolution of issues.
- An effective process. Coaching sessions follow clear rules and competency standards to ensure a focused and productive collaboration.
Coaching formats
Coaching is a flexible and dynamic practice that adapts to different situations and needs. The main coaching formats are individual, group and team coaching. These formats reflect the different ways and methodologies of applying coaching, depending on the number of clients and their goals.
Individual coaching
This is a personalised coaching approach in which the coach works one-on-one with one client. This format allows for a deep dive into the client’s personal goals, challenges and needs with maximum attention. One-to-one coaching is particularly effective for personal development, career advancement or specific personal problems.Group coaching
Group coaching takes place with a small group of people (usually 3-12 participants) with similar goals or challenges. Although this format provides less individual attention, it allows participants to learn from each other, share experiences and find peer support. Group coaching is often used in personal development, learning and growth programmes.- Team coaching
Team coaching is designed for teams in organisations or projects to improve collaboration, efficiency and achieve common goals. The format focuses on strengthening team dynamics, improving communication and resolving conflicts. The aim is to build strong, cohesive, high-performance teams. Team coaching is particularly useful in business organisations, sports teams and other areas where it is important to optimise the potential of the group.
What can you expect during an individual coaching session?
- Full attention to yourself and your challenges.
- Absolute confidentiality that provides a safe space for sharing.
- Respect and understanding for your emotions, values and identity.
- Open and sometimes uncomfortable questions that encourage new insights.
- Reflections of patterns of thought and behaviour that help you see limiting beliefs.
- Pauses of silence that open the way to new discoveries.
- Natural emotional discharges that are worth accepting as part of the change.
- “A-ha” moments when the answers become obvious.
- New inspiration to act.
- Clarity about the next steps.
What is not coaching?
Today, the term coaching is widely used, but it is often misunderstood and confused with other disciplines that involve conversation-based methods. This misinterpretation can give coaching a mystical aura, distorting its core purpose—helping individuals achieve their goals.
Below are key differences between coaching and the most commonly confused practices:
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Psychotherapy | Focuses on analyzing problems by examining past events and understanding their causes. It is designed to treat mental, emotional, and psychosomatic disorders. In contrast, coaching is future-oriented, emphasizing clarity on actions that help achieve a vision. |
| Training | Involves an expert who provides instructions on what, when, and how to do something. Training is beneficial when a person lacks fundamental knowledge or experience and is not yet ready for the coaching process. In coaching, the individual determines their goals, how they will achieve them, and when to take action. |
| Consulting | Involves sharing knowledge gained from experience or external sources. Advice is based on proven practices or others’ experiences. A coach, however, is not an expert in the client’s specific situation but acts as a partner who encourages self-awareness and helps the client take responsibility for their decisions and actions. |
| Mentoring | Often equated with coaching, but it differs in essence. A mentor is an expert in a particular field who helps an individual learn and grow faster than they would on their own. A mentor serves as a guide, sharing personal experiences, whereas a coach helps individuals discover their own answers. |
| Friendship | Conversations, advice, and encouragement are core elements of friendship, which is built on trust and close relationships—values also essential in coaching. However, friends often give direct advice or steer a person in a specific direction, whereas a coach develops thinking and decision-making skills to help the individual find their own solutions. |
Coaching is distinct from these practices, though it may incorporate elements of mentoring, consulting, or friendly experience-sharing. While these elements are not prohibited, it is crucial to ensure that what is labeled as coaching does not turn into a completely different method of support. Likewise, professionals in other fields may apply coaching techniques in their work, but this does not constitute a true coaching process.
Coaching standard I follow
I am a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and I follow the competency model, values and code of ethics defined by this organisation.
Founded in 1995, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the only organisation that provides a globally recognised qualification for coaching professionals. Its aim is to advance the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing an independent certificate of qualification and creating a global network of coaching professionals. The organisation currently has more than 50,000 members from 150 countries worldwide (as of January 2022). More about ICF
Competency Model
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) Competency Model defines the core competencies that coaches need to practice coaching professionally. The model emphasises the importance of ethical behaviour and confidentiality, the importance of the coaching mindset and ongoing reflective practice, the importance of the coach-client partnership and the importance of cultural, systemic and contextual awareness.
Competencies I use in coaching sessions:
- Adheres to ethical practice;
- Embodies a coaching mindset;
- Creates and maintains agreements;
- Fosters trust and safety;
- Maintains full attention;
- Listens actively;
- Promotes awareness;
- Promotes client growth.
Learn more about the ICF Individual Coaching Competences.
Learn more about the ICF Team Coaching Competencies.
Code of Ethics
My coaching practice is guided by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics.
The ICF Code of Ethics consists of five main parts:
- INTRODUCTION
- BASIC CONCEPTS
- BASIC ICF VALUES AND ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
- STANDARDS OF ETHICS
- STATEMENT OF PROMISE
4. ETHICAL STANDARDS
The following ethical standards apply to the professional activities of ICF professionals:
I am grateful for your trust
My Clients Testimonials
Over the past year, working with Miroslav in coaching sessions, I have had an invaluable experience and a unique opportunity to grow my skills as a manager. Miroslav has helped me to see and evaluate situations from different perspectives. The questions he asked encouraged me to look for new perspectives and to learn to listen as well as hear. The coaching sessions allowed me to clarify and find the direction I want and need to move towards.
Miroslav was able to create a safe environment for communication and growth. His attention to detail and professionalism allowed me to achieve a noticeable change in my approach to working with my team. Strategy development is another one of Miroslav's special skills. When growing a team and a company, having an effective and correct strategy is very important.
I recommend Miroslav as a top professional in his field. The tools and methods he uses are undoubtedly effective, innovative and can help managers who want to achieve great results when working with a team, growing a company and for personal growth and development.
I first met Miroslav more than 10 years ago, during a training course he was giving. I was very satisfied with the content, the usefulness and the real-life application in my work at that time. After a long time, I contacted him again, this time for a personal meeting on business strategy. During the session, he helped me to clarify my direction and to have a clearer picture of my ambitions and next steps in my business. After the consultation, I have a much clearer focus, a priority area for the period ahead. In my case, I got out what was in my head and put it all down on paper. I immediately started to take the actions that will ensure that I move in the right direction. A complete professional in his field, I recommend him to those who want structure in their work. Thank you, Miroslav! I believe that we will meet again.
A few days ago I closed another investment. An investment in myself, accompanied by Miroslav Monkevičius. For some time now, I have been curious to understand more about the principles of coaching, not only from books or other sources, but by learning from a professional. The last few years, due to covid, war, etc., have been unusual for us as manufacturers, full of new challenges, discoveries and questions that were not easy to find answers to. So why not try to find the answers together with a professional when the opportunity arises?
Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Yes. Although I often thought after coaching sessions: "Damn, couldn't I find a solution on my own?", but the next session I would come back with "n" questions.
There were lighter sessions, there were deeper sessions when I had to admit my fears and doubts to myself and only then find solutions.
If you ask me what it takes to be successful in coaching, I would say trust, openness, the courage to admit that you don't know if you are wrong, and the willingness to change and to change the situation.
Miroslavas is a wonderful professional who is entirely dedicated to his work. He is a good listener and asks good guiding questions which help to find answers to problems. He is easy to get along with and creates a comfortable atmosphere as much as possible. 😊
I highly recommend him as a specialist!
I was sceptical about coaching, but Mirsolav helped me to change my mind about this method of development and helped me to open my eyes wider, to understand the problems, to see the direction and to get the energy to move more directionally and faster.
If you are looking for a good coach, what I call a conversationalist, I recommend Miroslav.
Very happy I had an opportunity to work with Miroslavas. We had a series of couching sessions, where we prepared plan and strategy for our non-governmental institution. We focused on existing members, clarification of their needs and ways to attract new members. We had discussions how to communicate with governmental, non-governmental institutions and potential sponsors. As a result of these sessions our cooperation became stronger, we attracted new supporters and together with Vilnius municipality we have arranged „Epilepsy tolerance month“ program, where videos and posters were displayed in various places in the city.
Working with Miroslavas exceeded our expectations.
I recommend Miroslavas to anyone who wants to grow and improve.
I had the pleasure of working with Miroslavas as my coach when he worked with Humanitarian Coaching Network (HCN). I must admit its rare to come across a standout talent like Miroslavas in the coaching field. He expertly guided me to broadly tackle a difficult project I was handling by helping me to learn the fundamentals of breaking a big project to small biteful rocks and addressing each at a time. Before I knew, I managed to have solutions to the project that initially seemed unsurmountable. If you are looking for a coach/mentor for your team, I can't think of anyone I would recommend more highly other than Miroslavas.
Before the first personal coaching sessions of my life, I didn't know what to expect. The questions were many: will I establish a trusting relationship with the coach and achieve the right level of openness? Will the coaching sessions be effective? Will they provide tangible benefits? Later I realised that a lot depends on your own motivation, engagement, openness, objectivity, how you look for solutions and take action. But it is equally important to choose a professional coach who is committed to his/her work. I chose Miroslav as my coach and after the first session I felt that he is a true professional in his field. I had heard that coaching is based on partnership and equal communication. The sessions with Miroslav confirmed this, he was very easy to work with and the work itself was not stressful. During the sessions I got answers to all my questions. I realised that I had to trust my intuition more, I strengthened my resolve and I made the necessary and right decisions.
Miroslav and I work together in personal coaching sessions and have been asked to moderate our Group Strategy Sessions for several years. I recommend him as an excellent professional in his field.
Being a fast growing company in terms of team members as well as number of real estate development projects we needed strategy for sustainable and measurable growth. At the same time we needed vision that is inclusive for all our team members, not only shareholders and executives. We’ve chosen Miroslavas Monkevičius due to his knowledge and skills on the topic as well as practical experience. By guiding us through clarification of our company roadmap Miroslavas helped us to focus on activities that employ and further develop our strategic advantages. Along with crafted clear milestones for strategy success it became much easier to ensure accountability in our team as well as identify and skip activities that are not delivering on our vision. Miroslavas work attitude and dedication; flexibility on the process ensuring results’ delivery exceeded all our expectations. We highly recommend Miroslavas for companies seeking strategy that motivates all team members and ensures focus on activities that bring most value for customers and company.
We have been working with Miroslavas on Fegda grupė strategy. During strategic session we‘ve approved our final vision and mission statements as well as developed strategic directions, goals, KPI‘s and strategic initiatives for the year.
It was highly productive session. With creative methods and provoking questions onboard Miroslavas has demonstrated excellent skills to include leadership team into work unfolding each leader expertise and commitment for common goal. As a side result cohesion inside our team has increased.
The session fully met our expectations and I would highly recommend Miroslavas for any organization working on it’s strategy.
Raudonos Nosys Gydytojai klounai / Red Noses Clown doctors Lithuania team had strategic sessions with Miroslavas. In times when we needed it the most, in a transitional period and in new development point. During those sessions we’ve worked on our strategic directions and goals as well as clear KPI’s for each of it.
As a result, we’ve gotten a clear vision and roadmap for our organization as well as clear fields of responsibilities for each member of our leadership team.
Miroslavas managed to connect strong team leaders and helped us develop a common strategy thanks to his creative, flexible and inclusive approach. Strategic sessions as well helped us to become stronger as a team and set clear cooperation and accountability standards.
I would highly recommend Miroslavas for your organization strategic session. If Clown Doctors together with Miroslav can do it, I don't know who can't !
Miroslavas was moderating strategy session for leadership of “Milsa” our group of companies. The session was very productive and have served as a perfect impetus for even more alignment of our leadership team.
During the session an atmosphere for challenging and open discussions was created. Those conditions served perfectly for a creation of an extensive plan of action with a clear timeline, division of responsibilities as well as accountability mechanism for our team.
Miroslavas is fast reacting, challenging when needed and dedicated professional. I would highly recommend to consider Miroslavas for your company strategy session.
Miroslav and I worked together to develop our company's mission, vision, strategy, long-term goals, and to clarify our team's values.
Miroslav managed the team very well, bringing the conversations that went "off shore" to the final outcome of the session that we agreed on. We coordinated all the decisions made by the management team with the staff teams, and they were very engaged.
The project was a real success, and Miroslav's contribution to the project was that of a conductor of a large orchestra.
Miroslav had a great insight into our business and all the tasks and examples were business specific.
I recommend him as a specialist in his field. Good luck and see you next time!
“It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.” – Eugene Ionesco
As the enlightenment comes with the right questioning, Miroslavas is the one, who leads to ask those mind-changing questions. Excellence, positive attitude and the right manner are always included.
I had the privilege of working with Miroslavas for three transformative months, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Miroslavas helped me achieve personal and professional growth.
What truly sets Miroslavas apart is his remarkable calmness. He possesses an exceptional talent for helping you navigate the complex questions you may have about yourself and your life path. Whenever I felt stuck or unsure about my direction, Miroslavas consistently offered effective methodologies and thoughtful advice that allowed me to find clarity and purpose. Some would say that it might be only coincidence, but after we met I have already lost 8kg and got promoted.
I wholeheartedly recommend Miroslavas to anyone looking to grow as a person. His expertise, calm demeanour, and unwavering support are a winning combination for personal development. If you're ready to unlock your potential, Miroslavas is the perfect guide.
Thank you, Miroslavas, for your guidance and support. I'm very grateful for the positive impact you've had on my life.
Thank you for working together and for the practical advice on time management and self-care, which helped me to "reclaim" my time and to move purposefully towards both personal and professional goals.
Miroslavas has lead a couple of executive management trainings for Hegelmann Group and we could not be more satisfied with the quality and the results received.
Training organization, understanding of our business and teams, training relevance to our business challenges - everything delivered to the highest level.
We will definitely continue our cooperation with Miroslavas for the future trainings and would highly recommend him to the business looking for a coach that would bring a real value.
Our team had a great and useful trainings with Miroslovas Monkevicius. We had several session with the trainer ( collaboration in a team, time management and ect.). The average of feedback was 9,5 of 10.
UAB "Iremas" team, thank you, Miroslav, for your valuable training! Not only did you answer many questions, but you also gave us new insights into what to do differently! Thank you sincerely!
We had a great experience with the BNM Finance management team in a 2-day process and change management training led by Miroslav. The best part was that Miroslav very skillfully changed the training plan after the first few hours with us, because he felt that we needed something different. I think this is due to the highest level of skill, professionalism and extensive experience working with fast growing organisations. We didn't have dry theory, but solved our real problems. Sometimes it was just a howler, helping you to find the right answers for yourself, spiced up and reinforced with a little theory and interesting examples. The whole team thanks you for your help, the training allowed us to put together the missing pieces of the puzzle, untangle where we were stuck and fill in the gaps. We have applied everything perfectly in the organisation. I received a request from the participants to organise a similar training not only for the managers, but also for the whole BNM Finance team, because everyone got answers to the questions they brought to the training. Therefore, I can say that time and money were invested in a really productive way. Thank you again!
Miroslav explained the principles of effective time management to our team in a really efficient and planned way 🙂 he showed by example how time management makes us happier in our personal life and more productive at work. He is a professional trainer, he gives many concrete examples, he looks into situations and he is far from being a dry theorist. Thank you and see you next time!
Will recommend Miroslavas training sessions 100%. He is very smart and interesting person. Was many laugh and serious things at the same time. Sessions gave me a lot of knowledge about how to manage team, how to understand my team. He changed my thinking about team management, about how management has to work and of course gave me a lot of tips which I am using every day. Thank you Miroslavas, and I hope to see you again!
In cooperation with Miroslavas, feels that he knows which points to press and where to pay attention. So because of that you can bring up the answer to your question. And knowing that the answer is you - is very helpful. Thank you Miroslavas!
If you are looking for a help to get out from your daily not comfortable comfort frames, but have some fears, that it might be risky, not comfortable, so with #Miroslavas Monkevicius the journey out of comfortability becomes quite comfortable and lets to concentrate on things you want to change or learn. Thank you #MiroslavasMonkevicius for a nice experience!:)
We had great high-level sessions. Each meeting is a look into yourself, out of yourself and at others. Just brilliant experience. Miroslav is an extremely attentive and knowledgeable moderator. Thank you for breaking stereotypes and beliefs 🙂
A top-notch specialist in his field, able to manage and motivate even "difficult" audiences.
Miroslavas was my coach for 6+ months. We had 10 sessions together. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for an Executive Coach.
Miroslavas was my first executive coach. Before starting to work with him I didn't know much what to expect. But results achieved with Miroslavas exceeded my expectations. He helped me to answer to my own questions and have a better understanding what exactly are my priorities, what are my goals, where do I need improve and how can I live better life while becoming a better person at the same time. All these mentioned things sound simple, but they are not. Miroslavas knows how to talk to different individuals and groups of people. He knows very well how to "read the room" and understands his clients very well. He knows when to listen, when to ask a question and when to share personal advice. From my personal experience, I can say that if you start working with Miroslavas you will be able to see results from the sessions immediately!
Sadly, yesterday was our 10th and last session but I am very grateful for his help improving my life.
