To draw out a someone's potential effectively, I believe that a good coach operates under the following premises:

• The client has all the resources they need to make the change they want.
  
• The client is an expert in his or her own life.  They know more about their own motivations and capabilities than anyone else will ever know.
  
• The goal of the coach is to enable the client to achieve his/her highest aspiration for his or herself.

Drawing out this potential may very well mean exploring various areas of the client's life.  By doing so, not only can the client address the interference that limits their potential, they can transfer existing skills from one part of their life to another.  It also helps ensure that balance in their life is maintained as they begin to make changes.  The coaching relationship is a powerful partnership.  The coach is the client’s ally in helping them fulfil their potential. The partnership can provide structure, feedback, motivation, accountability and support.

• Asking thought-provoking questions to enable individuals to clarify their thinking
  

• Working alongside the client as they set outcomes for themselves and identify what they need to achieve them 
  

• Challenging and helping them move beyond their limiting beliefs
  
• Holding them accountable for the goals they prescribe for themselves
  

• Providing on-going structure and accountability that will enable them to move steadily toward their goal
  

• Eliciting solutions from them – the real expert in their own life.