What is coaching?
By definition, coaching is a powerful process by which a client works collaboratively with a coach to help them achieve both personal and/or professional growth. Successful clients commit to taking actions toward reaching their objectives and then following through on their commitments. Coaching is not limited to a single particular area of one’s life.
Is coaching right for me?
Coaching can mean many different things to different people. For one person it may mean the difference between staying put in a job they hate instead of committing to landing a job they truly love. For another person it may mean learning how to get along with someone who typically “gets on their nerves” easily. For someone else, it might also be overcoming the fear to sky-jump but has never done anything about that dream to make it happen. Yet for a different individual, coaching may be the jumpstart needed to demonstrate a desire to take on more responsibility and advance in an organization. Coaching is a catalyst; it plants the seeds for achievement and fosters an environment for growth and success.
This growth process takes on different forms depending on the client being coached and their particular situation. The beauty of coaching is that it is unique and specific to each client, because every client has his or her own unique set of needs and wants. A client hires a coach to close the gap more quickly from where they are today to where they want to be in the future. A coach takes on the role of an accountability partner, a sounding board, a supporter, a challenger and a cheerleader. Coaching is an investment people make in themselves to generate and benefit from rapid and sustaining returns.
How does coaching work?
The coaching process works as a confidential partnership between a client and a coach. The client identifies particular goals and objectives they want to achieve with the help of a professional coach. During a coaching session, the client brings an agenda to discuss and communicates what he/she would like to take away from that session. The coach listens closely to the client. Through a co-creative process and a supportive environment, the coach asks questions, may challenge preconceived notions and assumptions and also explores options with the client to assist them in stepping out of their comfort zone. By helping the client focus positive energy and a commitment to actions with intention, the growth process begins so that the client’s goals will be achieved more quickly through this relationship.
I have heard a lot about coaching lately, but who hires a coach, and how do you even know if you should consider hiring one?
Clients can be an individual, a group of persons, or an organization. A client hires a coach when he/she wants help on how to continue to grow, excel, and achieve results that keeps them on a successful path. Clients are highly successful and motivated people who have committed to investing in themselves to achieve the goals that enhance their way of life.
Listed below are some questions you can ask yourself about whether coaching might be right for you or your organization:
- Are you interested in making your work more meaningful in order to achieve improved results, a better position, more financial rewards, a promotion, less stress or totally changing careers?
- Are you interested in seeking more from business relationships, friendships, or perhaps re-ignite the spark that has been missing from your personal or professional interactions?
- Would you like to get started on setting up a plan to help you achieve those things in life for which you want to accomplish before a certain time?
Typically a client hires a coach for a minimum of three months in order to truly see the growth process begin to take shape. It is important for the client to feel at ease and supported with their coach so it is suggested that before a client hires one, they should request to have a sample session to see if there is a good fit with a particular coach.
If you are ready and truly committed to making some positive changes in your life, whether personal or professional, you should consider hiring a coach. If you are interested in a complimentary 30-minute coaching session, please contact coach@energizeyouroutlook.com to schedule it.
