Coaching has become accepted as an integral part of the successful professional's toolkit.
With an increase in popularity and publicity, people recognise that coaching is not for those
that are falling behind, but rather for those that are intent on staying ahead. Having evolved
from sports coaching, the profession is associated now more correctly with high achievement
and personal effectiveness. It is for individuals who take responsibility for their own
happiness and performance, and are committed to getting the best for and from themselves.
So, what is the role of the coach? A qualified coach is a professional skilled at asking the right questions to guide you towards
identifying what you really want and how you're going to get there. Changing the questions is
one powerful way of uncovering new information that can lead to greater clarity or a decisive
course of action. It starts from the premise that you have the answers, or the resources to
find the answers - the coach simply provides fresh questions and a framework to bring these to
the surface.
Unlike the sports coach, the life or business coach is not necessarily an expert in the field
of interest. The role of the coach is not to advise you, but to question, challenge, support
and encourage. Whilst some business coaches may have knowledge of your field and intervene
with suggestions, coaching starts to blur here with consultancy - so before you choose your
coach, be clear what you are expecting or hoping to gain from the experience.
How does it work? Coaching can take place in person or by telephone, at any interval that suits you, be it once
a month or every week. Similarly, the session length can vary depending on the coach and your
needs - 60-90 minutes would be typical at the start to allow sufficient time to reflect on
issues, whilst 30-45 minutes might be plenty for an update or to 're-focus'.
Coaching is effective precisely because you have a pre-booked, scheduled session - it means that
you are less likely to put off exploring those unresolved life questions or get distracted from
a strategic action plan. It provides a regular opportunity to re-commit to your goals and to get
specific about how you are going to make them happen. A coach will keep you focused on results
and ensure that you move towards clarifying or achieving your goals every session.
Why might I choose to start coaching?
To change or improve a particular aspect of your life, such as career, health, wealth, relationships or work/life balance
To check that you know where you're at and that you still want to be there
To chart your future course and direction
To get out of a rut
To fulfil your potential and get proactive about realising your dreams
To support you through a career change, promotion or new venture
For your professional development - time out to consider your performance, effectiveness and plans
To have a safe space and a neutral/external 'sounding board' to reflect on things
To set aside time to start working towards your goals consistently
To feel inspired again
To find out more about coaching or to book a session call now on 020 7622 2400.
