Jan Springthorpe asked:
Many people ask what coaching is all about and what’s in it for them. In case you are one of those people, you might be interested to know more.
Coaching is about change and transformation and the human ability to grow and adapt behaviours. It is also about reinventing yourself, walking away from what you have now and creating a bright new future.
Who could benefit from coaching? I believe that anyone who has approached a crossroads in their life and wants to make some changes, can really benefit from coaching.
The same goes for anyone who is experiencing a lack of progress with a goal or someone who feels dissatisfied with the direction they are heading in or any aspect of their life.
People hire a coach because they want to:
• get more out of life
• grow and develop as a person
• do things more easily
• evolve beyond themselves
Coaching helps you all of these things, and quickly.
The coaching process is powerful, simple, doesn’t take lots of time out of your busy schedule and can be carried out at your convenience. Coach and client work in partnership and develop a relationship in which they have mutual respect, trust, and appreciation.
Your coach uses well thought out questions to probe your thinking and generate different perspectives to familiar problems. Well developed listening skills alert your coach to key issues. This enables you to look deep within yourself to provide answers and find solutions.
“Usually, the brain that contains the problem is the brain that contains the solution.” (Anon)
What sort of things can coaching help with?
There are many reasons why you might choose to work with a coach. For example:
• there is a gap in your knowledge, skills or behaviours
• you have been promoted and need to learn some new skills and behaviours
• something important is at stake and it is urgent, compelling, exciting or scary
• there is a lack of clarity and focus about a choice of action
• work and life are out of balance and this is creating unwanted consequences
• you want better relationships with friends, family, employees and colleagues
• you need a change of direction
• there is a need and a desire to be even more effective at work
• you want to get more out of life and feel more fulfilled
On a personal level, coaching can increase your confidence and quality of life, help you to manage stress, encourage you to set goals and give you the courage to pursue your dreams. In your professional and business life it can help to:
• put pleasure and passion back into your work
• develop management and leadership skills
• create clear actions plans and strategies
• develop a vision for your business or team
• solve people and performance problems
• take you to the next level in your career
To get the most out of coaching, think about what you want to be, do or have. Make a commitment to the coaching process and to working with your coach to create fresh perspectives and open up new possibilities. Consider the questions put to you by your coach and let the answers unfold. Then take action that takes you to your goals and aspirations.
You will be amazed at what you can achieve!