What is Coaching and Why Should I Invest in it?
When was the last time you had to make a major decision or intuitively felt like something needed to change? What kind of support did you desire during that process? What did you learn about yourself?
Guiding clients through this process is the specialty of professional coaches. They help clients navigate through times of transition and building towards their dreams. Every one of us is capable of more than we can imagine. Sometimes it simply requires a coach to draw out of us that innate strength and vision, then put it into action.
Life, executive, leadership, career, transition or any other type of personal coaching can be described in many different ways, and it can mean something different to different people. For some, it may mean an objective listening ear or sounding board to help them process life. For others, it's accountability they seek for making changes in their life or career. For some, it's a journey of discovering their purpose in life, what makes them passionate about their lives, and what kind of impact they want to have in the world.
We get to choose what kind of relationship we build with our coach. And when the coach and client are aligned, the transformation can be powerful and enlightening.
Coaching isn't about "fixing" someone. Instinctually, each person is gifted with the internal guidance system to direct the most fulfilling path for their life. But limiting beliefs, societal expectation, subconscious programs, and other junk can hide our true purpose and dampen our passion. Coaches help clear the way for clients to reach their highest potential and live a life of true passion and purpose.
A personal coach can help you navigate through life changes, stagnation, or the desire to have greater impact.
So how is coaching different than therapy, mentoring or consulting?
Therapy is conducted by professionally trained therapists who help their clients dig into past trauma or mental illness and move towards healing or management of their illness. Sometimes this journey can take years.
Coaching is intended for individuals who are otherwise healthy, but sense they have more to offer or accomplish and want assistance in moving forward towards specific goals.
Mentoring is conducted by people experienced in a certain area such as business, teaching, etc. The mentor has ample life experience to draw from that they then share with their mentee. The mentee will often replicate the path of their mentor.
Coaching is different in that a professional coach can offer their coaching to anyone, not just people in a particular field of practice. The coach believes the client is the expert on their own life. And the coach is specially trained to focus on drawing out the best of every client so they can excel towards their unique goals.
Consulting offers specific services or counsel in a particular area. Often times the consultant is hired as an expert for contract work and once they are finished, they move on to the next client to offer the same or similar services.
Coaching is much different because coaches see the client as the expert who is fully capable of achieving their vision. Sometimes a coach will draw on their unique experiences and offer some consulting services. But primarily the coach puts the client in the drive seat while the coach helps navigate towards the intended destination. Ultimately, this is a much more empowering relationship for the client.
Is coaching a good investment for me?
There are many reasons that clients hire coaches. Here are just a few reasons:
Career transition: Moving from one position to another, or moving to a new field entirely.
Career satisfaction: Aligning values with a fulfilling job or career.
Leadership development: Employees stepping into greater responsibility or leadership at work who desire to become excellent leaders.
Executive coaching: Organization leaders who seek to be more effective leaders or set a powerful vision for their organization.
Life clarity: Learning what your true passion and purpose is so you can have greater impact in the world.
Life transition: Major life changes or seeking new direction for greater fulfillment.
Life skills: Learning what makes you tick and how to better navigate life challenges and opportunities.
Whatever your story, if you sense that you need more direction or clarity on your next steps, working with a coach is an excellent option to help you clarify and reach your goals.
My coaching practice specializes in helping people through all of the above scenarios and many more. Investing in yourself, and the things you will learn about yourself as the result of coaching, can have a powerful, transformational impact on your life. Contact me today to learn more about how coaching will benefit you and move you towards achieving your goals.