Are You Ready for Coaching?
Are you interested in hiring a coach, but would like to know about what they do and how they can help you? Here is your guide to answer all your questions:
WHY DO PEOPLE SEEK OUT A COACH?
There are many reasons depending on the kind of help you need. Some of the common reasons are:
· Career changes
· Want to get promoted
· Confidence Building
· Skills Development
· Work-Life Balance
· Want to get healthier
· Want to accelerate results
· Stuck and not sure how to move forward
Coaching takes you from where you are to where you want to be. It is action focused and client driven.
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF COACHING?
· Clients learn who they are through assessments (strengths, values, behavior, personality)
· Clients reflect on what vision they want in their life and career (priorities)
· Clients create goals and action plans to achieve their vision
· Clients reach results and achieve success
WHAT TYPE OF COACH SHOULD YOU SELECT?
There are many types of coaches out there. Here are some of the most common types of coaches: Business, Leadership, Life, Health/Wellness, Executive, Sales, Career and much more.
Depending on what you are looking for you should research them and understand what their focus is and how they can help you. Here are some questions to select the right coach for you.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL COACH:
1. Are they certified? There are some great coaches out there who aren’t certified, but some people prefer a coach that is certified.
2. What is their focus area of coaching? There are some general types of coaches, but most have specific niches. Does it match what you need?
3. Can they share testimonials from other clients with you? These testimonials may be on their website and you can read them there. Do they talk about the types of results that they got in the coaching process?
4. How much do they charge? Is it a flat rate per month or by the hour? How often will you meet and can you connect in between sessions if needed? How long with the coaching engagement last? (most are between 3–6 months)
5. What is their process for coaching? The Client should always drive the agenda and be doing most of the talking during a coaching session. You should be asked what your goals are that you want to accomplish
6. Do they have their own coach? You want a coach who is continuing to develop themselves.
7. Do you feel that you have a connection with the coach? Does it seem like you will be able to have a good relationship with the coach and that they will focus on your goals? Look at their website and see if you connect with the things that they say. Look at their LinkedIn profile to see if it lines up with what they say.
BENEFITS OF COACHING
Professional coaching brings many wonderful benefits: fresh perspectives on personal challenges, enhanced decision-making skills, greater interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence. And, the list does not end there. Those who undertake coaching also can expect appreciable improvement in productivity, satisfaction with life and work, and the attainment of relevant goals.
Even with all this information, the most important element to determine your success is whether or not you are READY. It is a personal decision and commitment to yourself. The coach only guides you, shows you a mirror to yourself, and supports you on your journey. You have to be ready to do the work.
If you’re ready to take your career and life to its fullest potential, contact Susan M. Barber Coaching and Consulting.
