As a Corporate and Executive Coach, I developed the Coaching Lab to house relevant coaching blogs for enlightenment and education. This is the first blog in the series.
My immediate response to the above subject matter is a resounding YES. In order to give you the complete picture, it is important to expound upon the pros and cons of coaching.
Let’s start with this question. Have you ever been in a position where you needed some professional guidance, but didn’t know where to begin? You tried talking to a trusted friend who consistently made the conversation about themselves and that left you confused. Let me assure you that responses like the one above is not uncommon. This blog is for individuals who have heard about coaching but somewhere along the way your experience did not align with your expectations.
In order to understand the power and effectiveness of Coaching, it is important to have a clear understanding of the following misconceptions of what coaching is Not:
Bullying to change a behavior
Using intimidating to force an action
Controlling the coaching conversation with little or no input from the client
Making assumptions devoid of understanding the client’s situation
Ineffective listening resulting in premature conclusions
According to Corporate Coach U, “Coaching is a collaborative partnership between a coach and a willing individual which connects at a deep personal level”. The Coach generally takes on different roles. Depending on the client’s situation coaches may wear the hat of a therapist, mentor, or counselor. The ability to flex or adjust is important for understanding and clarity.
Authentic coaching is principle-driven and its concepts are people-based for those who want more for themselves whether it’s job-related, personal, or otherwise. There exists a gap between where you are and where you want to be. A coach helps clients bridge that gap throughout the coaching conversation.
The coaching experience is transforming. Many are embracing it as a powerful tool to meet goals and objectives. True coaching begins when coaches eliminate judgments and rigid notions prior to beginning of the coaching conversation.
Coaching is not linear. From time to time, the coaching conversation seems to move in a different direction or go back to an area that was earlier covered. It’s a natural shift to illustrate a point or get clarification. For example, you may move through 3 steps to find yourself going back to step 1.
The coaching experience is transforming because it is a powerful tool to meet goals and objectives. There are no judgments or rigid notions because they are discouraged at the onset.
In summary, coaching is a framework of knowledge, skills, and personal attributes that Masterful Coaches exhibit in the list below:
By having an Ego-less persona to focus on the client
By listening contextually for what is said and not said
By being aware of the client’s tones, emotions, and body language without preconceive assumptions, agendas, or judgments
By meeting individuals where they are and avoiding the temptation to go ahead of them
By trusting that the clients are capable of making the changes they are seeking
By using distributions to increase awareness that allows behavioral changes
YOUR CALL TO ACTION:
If you had professional coaching, please share the tangible benefits you’ve received.
In your professional position, what are some tangible ways coaching can improve your performance or assist you in transitioning to a leadership position?
Could you post areas you are struggling with? Below is a common list of some challenging areas professionals face:
Performance evaluation and improvement
Communication challenges
Professional development for self or working team