Every now and then it is good to set some time aside to reflect and to look into the mirror of our own developments. However, looking in the mirror is not easy. If you are like most of us, you will have a subjective view on what you see in the mirror. True reflection is difficult, resulting in improvement being far away. We need someone who will help us! Someone who will create objective clarity from the chaos we ourselves see in the mirror.
A coach is your guide in helping you to understand what you see in the mirror and to take appropriate action towards future improvements. Working with a coach helps people to find fresh perspectives on their challenges, to improve their skills and to create improvements in their productivity as well.
A recent study commissioned by the International Coach Federation reports productivity improvements between 51% and 70% as a result of professional coaching. Also on the personal side, coaching leads to improvements in self confidence (80%), improved communication skills (72%), improved work/life balance (67%) and improved relationships (73%). That all combined with a 99% satisfaction will make working with a coach almost a no-brainer.
A coach can be found internally in organizations or can be an independent outsider. A coach does not need to be an expert in what you do, but needs to be able to help you find the right answers. When you look for a coach then do look for someone who can ask the right questions, who wants to know everything to help you move forward. Look for someone who will hold you accountable for the actions you decide to take.
Coaching comes in many flavors and can be situational dependent; to help you solve a situation where you are stuck or where you need an outside view. It can also have a focus on your long term development and might then be more mentoring than coaching.
Within my practice there are different flavors of coaching and mentoring:
- A coaching cycle that lasts between 1 and 12 months. These coaching cycles are often focussed on specific challenges you want to overcome or results you need to achieve.
- Sometimes a single coaching call is all you need to find new ways forward or solutions for the challenges that you are facing.
Coaching is borderless: it can take place in person if we happen to be in the same place, as well as over audio or video connections when one of us happens to be on the other side of the world.
Interested in exploring if coaching is for you? I’ll be happy to have an introduction call with you, where we will explore if coaching or mentoring is the right solution for your challenges and whether it should come from inside your organization or from an independent outsider.
Get in touch with me directly to have that conversation: click this link to schedule a complimentary call to discuss your challenges, goals and dreams for business and life.