What Is Coaching? 

We often define coaching in the context of sports.  No matter how good an athlete is, they will hire a personal coach to enhance their growth and skill development.  As Tiger Woods has demonstrated, a coach can continue to enhance even the best.  Executive, Leadership and Career coaching is also aimed at performance improvement.  Coaching is a one-on-one collaboration between the coach and client who work together to develop the highest personal and professional potential of the individual.  It is a distinct process of engagement based on supporting and guiding using key questions and activities to achieve your objectives.  A coach is an advocate, a sounding board, a cheerleader, an accountability partner, a truth teller and a supporter. Coaching is a powerful alliance that advances the process of human learning, organizational and personal effectiveness and self-fulfillment. 

Why Would You Hire a Coach?

Just like the athlete, you want to excel and grow in your profession and your life.  When there seems to be something holding you back or an obstacle that you cannot overcome, it is time for a coach.  A coach works along side of you to provide acknowledgment, encouragement, direction and clarity.  Working with a coach will be challenging as you expand yourself beyond “perceived limitations.” Since a coach is your advocate, you will be co-creating a plan to achieve your success.  As a source of information, a coach is a valuable asset.  Lastly it engenders a formal commitment from you which assures a greater probability of success!

Are All Coaches the Same?

One size does not fit all when it comes to selecting a coach.  You are a unique individual, and each coach is also unique.  Aside from the methods of delivering coaching, one-on-one, group, e-mail, virtual coaching over the phone, or in person, many coaches specialize in a particular field.  All coaches should be “certified” assuring formal training and expertise.  The major areas of specialization include personal growth, business, executive, corporate, relationship, career coaching, financial, or health and fitness coaching.  When selecting a coach you should have the opportunity to see if the coach is a fit for you. Since coaching is a relationship, you want to make sure that you start your relationship with someone that aligns with your needs.

What Can I Hope To Accomplish Through Coaching?

Coaching will bring self-awareness of your present situation.  You will discover what road blocks may be in the way of achieving the life and position that you desire.  You and your coach will develop a personalized coaching program that will target the areas of focus that are needed to obtain your goals.  This is where the Coach is an advocate that can provide information and guidance. Although you will be doing all the work, your coach will hold you accountable.

You will benefit from long-term improved performance that consistently meets or exceeds the objective standards set forth in your coaching program.  A Coaching partner is fully present and unconditionally supportive of your goals.  You will gain self-acceptance which provides the ability to appreciate yourself more fully including your limitations.

Will I Have All the Tools I Need to Reach Success?

Success is within your reach.  Often the things that hold us back are quickly identified as you work with your coach.  Together you may find that you need to develop skills in a particular area.  This could result in reading books on the topic, taking a training class, a seminar or engage in other activities and stretch you out of your comfort zone to foster growth.  Self-improvement requires that you look at all areas and determine where you possess strengths and where you may be limited.  Once you have identified those areas, you have taken a giant step toward self-awareness and action. 

If I Have a Mentor, Do I Need a Coach?

Coaching and mentoring are two different things.  At times, a coach may suggest that in addition to coaching you work with a Mentor.  A Mentor is a person often charged with the task of helping to train, advise, and share practical experience with the new person in the organization.  One of the most important roles of a mentor is serving as a teacher to the novice. Mentors share their body of experience, relating what they have learned in ways that will connect with the newcomer.  In essence a Mentor demonstrates the skills they used to achieve their position.  This is where Coaching and Mentoring differ.  A Coach works with you to develop clarity and purpose.  A Coach will work with you to set goals that lead to action.  It is not showing you what needs to be done, but working with you to self discovery by identifying actions that will lead to success.  A Coach can provide assessments, and other tools that build upon your knowledge and skills.