Abstract

This is the first qualitative study that examines coaching presence from the coaches’ perspectives, conceptualizing presence as a multi-dimensional construct. The purpose of this research was to develop a grounded theory of coaching presence as experienced by coaches during a coaching session. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 16 International Coach Federation (ICF) certified coaches. Data analysis adhered to constructivist grounded theory methods of initial and focused coding using the integral-four quadrant (Wilber, 2000b, 2006) framework as a sensitizing concept. The major finding that emerged in this grounded theory study were six themes for understanding coaching presence during a coaching session: (a) Mindful Self-Awareness, (b) Authentic Connection, (c) Deep Attunement, (d) Embodied Engagement, (e) Holding Outcomes, and (f) Structural Alignment. This research presented a blossoming lotus metaphorical representation of coaching presence, as well as a four-quadrant perspective of coaching presence that supported a multi-dimensional view of coaching presence.