I never get tired of answering questions about coaching, especially when talking to prospective clients trying to decide whether to hire a coach, and me in particular. I always feel excited about the potential of a new relationship. Yes, it is exciting to land a new contract and add to my bank balance, but it is mostly about the opportunity to deliver value; helping clients deal with challenges and giving them the tools to make the necessary changes to achieve the desired outcomes.
In a 2013 TED Talk about education and supporting teachers, Bill Gates expressed the sentiment that everyone needs a coach; that we all need someone who will give us feedback because that’s how we become better.
Everyone can benefit from coaching, not just executives. Professionals at every stage in their career face business challenges and can benefit from coaching to make strategic decisions and accelerate their career progression. With accumulating evidence of the benefits of coaching, we should continue to see a movement toward leveraging business coaching for growth. I believe more and more companies will increasingly invest in coaching to improve individual and team capacity to achieve goals and to adapt to changes in the workplace. The future, in which high potentials work with a coach, just as serious athletes do today, is here.
Coaching is based on positive psychology and focuses on learning and growth. The process provides the structure, tools, and support to set and achieve goals in a world that’s constantly changing. It enhances both individual and organizational performance. All that had happened is in the past. Yesterday is history. The energy is directed toward identifying options and capitalizing on decisions to move forward and continue to create opportunities. Through coaching, people can discover and maximize their strengths, overcome roadblocks, master skills and competencies, and stretch beyond the comfort zone to turn a challenging situation into an advantage. The primary focus is on creating actionable strategies for achieving specific goals with a commitment to follow through. A coach will be compassionately honest and won’t let you be anything but the best you can be.
Coaching is a gift. It’s a relationship that is all about you, your dreams and your goals. You get a dedicated partner supporting you every step of the way. Working with a coach is extremely beneficial when you are…
dealing with a specific challenge trying to work out the way forward
struggling with difficult decisions
trying to change behaviors that are not working for you
seeking to accelerate results and enhance success
feeling out of balance
looking to explore and invest in what's next for you
