Is Coaching for You?

The incredible advances in modern communication and the prolific use of the internet have made the coaching profession blossom in the past five years.  But many people are still unsure about what coaching really is and what it can do for them.

A coach is an individual who has experience in a particular field, and who offers their services to other people trying to accomplish things in that field.  A good coach can serve as a catalyst for huge changes in your career, business, or personal life.  They provide you not only with valuable education and resources, but with much-needed accountability and moral support as you take on challenges like starting a business, losing weight, or writing a novel.

Coaching is similar to mentoring, but it also incorporates a process of education and teaching.  An experienced coach can adapt themselves to the individual needs of their clients.  They are not tied to a rigid outline or lesson plan.  Instead, they develop a working relationship with the client to facilitate personal development that will affect real change.

Other important elements to a good coaching relationship are:

• A non-judgemental, supportive environment that allows the client to think outside the box and be creative with their life decisions.
• Regular meetings (virtually or in person) which keep the client on a schedule, moving systematically toward their goal.
• Specific exercises and assignments which provoke the client to think in different ways.
• Honesty and objectivity by the coach—not simply telling a client what they want to hear.
• Professionalism

It is important to remember that while the coach and client have a relationship, and are often discussing deeply personal issues that the client must work through; there must always be a level of professionalism and enough emotional distance between the two parties to allow them to be objective when working together.  The coach does not want to allow their personal feelings to color the advice and support they offer their client; and the client needs to be able to assess if their coach is really helping them or just being a “nice person.”

If you are considering hiring a coach, you should compare and interview at least three different individuals to make sure you will have the best possible connection.  Here are some questions you want to ask before you make your selection:

• Is your coach experienced in the specific area you’re working on?  (i.e., entrepreneurship, money management, weight loss)
• Do they have any former clients you can talk to or at least some testimonials about their service?
• How long have they been coaching?
• What kinds of additional resources are they offering (books, materials, etc.)?
• How often can they meet?
• What is their rate per session?
• Are they available for communication via email in addition to your regular sessions?

Sure you can go after your goals on your own, but you increase your chances of success much more when you have support.  Friends and family can help, but often we need an impartial party—someone who can hold us to our commitments, provide us with objective advice, and give us a reason to keep going when the going gets tough.

Have you worked with a coach before?  If so, leave us a comment and tell us about your experience!