Coaching in the News!

There was an article in the Vancouver Sun recently. The reporter was observing the increase in the number of people in the workplace who are in a relationship with a coach. Many of these individuals chose Career Coaches as a way of ensuring a smoother and faster climb up the Corporate Ladder.

This prompted some inquiries to me in my business – I am a Life Coach with a presence on the web and a healthy blog. Most of the calls and e-mails were asking me to describe what coaching is, and how they could know if they needed one.

Here is my reply, in part:

A coach will do for you what Tiger Woods’ coach does for him – not that I’m saying that a coach will make you a superstar or a millionaire. That may have been what Tiger wanted in his life. But it’s more likely that what he wanted was someone to keep him on the track to realizing his goals and his dreams.

To put it simply, a coach is there to remind you of what you already know – to keep you accountable to what you say is important to you. He or she will help you prioritize your life, manage your time, ensure that there is balance between all the important ways you use your energy. Most good coaches will have a tool-box of processes and exercises. They will ask you to play full-on with them in the game and help you look at what are the causes and outcomes when you DON’T play full-on.

When you sign on for a coaching program, you are usually asked to commit to a three-month or six-month period. Some programs are even longer – one, two or even three years! Consider this an investment in yourself – and, if you are squirmy about that, ask yourself what value you place on YOU, on your time, your energy and your life.

You may be working one-on-one with the coach, or in a group coaching program. Both are equally effective; however, if your goals or available time are unique and you want to achieve different levels than others, you may prefer working with a coach one-on-one. Some coaches will agree to meet with you; most will coach you over the phone.

You should be provided with follow-up material that will help integrate what you are learning into your life in a meaningful way. And your coach will likely be available through e-mail in between coaching sessions.

Your coaching program will be structured – with measurable, achievable benchmarks along the way. For example, if your coaching session is geared to helping you deal with your fear around asking for support, there will be exercises designed to help you do that in baby steps. The coach will ask you to continually look at where you were when you started, and how far you’ve come. This will enable you to see what you’ve accomplished and will reinforce the value you are getting from your investment of time and money.

No matter whether the program is designed to help you achieve financial goals, career aspirations or – as in my clients’ case – significant life changes, you and your coach will continually assess your progress. He or she will NOT try to define that for you, nor will you be asked to commit to something that you don’t believe in. Your coach really wants you to succeed – in whatever you say is important to you.

So look around for a really good coach – one you feel comfortable with, one who challenges you to be the best you can be and supports you in your dream to achieve that. Life is about change, growth, progress. Going through those changes is profoundly easier with a coach