I think there must be as many definitions of coaching as there are coaches out there. However, one of the most succinct definitions I’ve come across is from the International Coach Federation (ICF):
“Coaching is an on-going partnership that helps clients produce
fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives.
Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning,
improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life.
Beginning with the clients’ desires, coaching uses reporting,
exploring, and a consistent commitment to move the client
forward. It accelerates the clients’ progress by providing
greater focus and awareness of choice.
Coaching concentrates on where clients are today and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be tomorrow.”
A good coach will provide you with…
Effective strategies to help you deal with life’s challenges, while enjoying going for your goals. This can include:
- New perspectives – when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change
- The opportunity to get really clear about what you want out of life – and WHY you want it
- Someone to partner you through the coaching process in a caring but business-like way
- An objective sounding board for your ideas – someone with whom you can explore new possibilities and opportunities
Anyone can benefit from working with a coach…
Those that are stuck can become clear; those that are already successful and leading a good life can create something exceptional.
The bottom line is that by working with a coach you can set better goals and reach them faster than if you worked alone.
What coaching won’t do for you…
- Coaching won’t do anything for you if you aren’t ready to close the gap between where you are and where you want to go
- Coaching won’t be a benefit if you are not open to new ideas and/or ways of doing things that will facilitate positive change
- Coaching is not a reasonable option if you are not financially able to invest in it and/or make room in your life to commit to the process
- Coaching won’t work for you if what you really need is the help of a therapist – in most cases Coaches are not qualified to deal with mental issues such as severe anxiety or depression
- Coaching won’t work for you if you expect the Coach to do what you need to do – only you can do the work
What can I work on with a coach…
The sky’s the limit, but most issues fall within one-or-other of the following areas:
1) Creating a compelling vision for your future…
Goal setting, motivation and purpose. A compelling vision of the future that propels you forwards, even when you’re not feeling too good!
2) Decision making and problem solving…
Change of career/vocation/ business, relocation, relationships and/or family issues, finance, self care, personal development – to name but a few.
3) Time management and work/life balance…
How to make better use of your time? Time to think, time to be with your children, increased efficiency, more time to relax – the proverbial work/life balance equation.
4) Coaching for business owners…
Creating a Purpose, Vision and Organisational Culture for your business that fits with your personal values and goals; reconnecting with the vision that you originally had; attract more clients; sell more without the stress; staying motivated during the bad times, manage time better; devise a marketing plan that suits your personal and interpersonal style; developing appropriate leadership, communication and management skills.
So if you think you are ready for a coach…
Take the first step NOW. Don’t hesitate, don’t over think it or procrastinate – Just Do It !! Every journey that was ever completed began with the first step – and that is as true now as it has ever been.