What is Coaching?
A coach is a thinking partner to accelerate learning and development. Coaches empower others through igniting their thinking, increasing their insight and developing self-awareness to take new actions in their lives. Coaching does not work with the treatment of mental health problems. It focuses on well-being rather than pathology.
What are the types of coaching available?
There are a number of different types of coaching but they can be summarised under the heading of Life/Personal coaching.
What is it?
Coaching that provides support to individuals wishing to make some form of significant change happen in their lives.
Who is it for?
Those seeking to move forward from their present situations in order to improve their lives.
How does it work?
Life coaches help clients explore what they want in life and how they might achieve their aspirations and fulfil their dreams.
Executive/Business coaching
What is it?
Executive coaching enhances performance in the workplace, taking skills and abilities to a new level and helping individuals adapt to new situations.
Who is it for?
Typically, senior managers, directors, owner managers and key players within a business who desire further development.
How does it work?
One-on-one executive coaching helps clients to take time out to reflect, develop a personal awareness of their strengths and areas for development and work on the specific issues they are challenged with.
Career/Performance coaching
What is it?
A career coach helps individuals identify the right roles for themselves and then assists in making the transition to these jobs.
Who is it for?
From graduates just getting started in their careers to those who've been working on their career paths for years, anyone looking to advance in his or her career, or even to make a complete career change, can benefit from career coaching.
How does it work?
Coaches help clients understand the world of work and their own personal development and to find the sweet spot where the two meet. Career coaching involves skills assessment, establishing a career action plan, and the enhancement of employability.
Why should I pay someone else to coach me?
As Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google recounts; the best advice he ever got, initially resented but now always gives is to have a coach. A great coach is somebody who looks at something with another set of eyes, they give you perspective, the one thing you can't give yourself, and a system to tackle future challenges and succeed.
How do I know if I need coaching?
"Everyone needs a coach." These are the words Bill Gates chose to open his TED Talk. Interestingly the point he highlights and the one characteristic common to all high performing individuals, from executives to athletes is the fact that they all have a coach.
Do any of the below statements resonate with you?
1. Your life, business, career, relationship, etc., is already good, but you want it to be better. Coaching isn't a crisis intervention. If things are basically good, but you know they could be a lot better.
2. You want YOU to be much, much better. Many people hire a coach because they are built for more and want to reach their full potential sooner, rather than later.
3. You're going through a big transition. Change can be difficult, even when it's what you want. A coach is someone who believes in you and who can help you make the most crucial choices.
4. You're a high achiever. Tend to be driven and successful, but can feel a bit isolated. Everybody has blind spots. A coach sees you as you are, without judgment, and helps you be your best.
5. You want more meaning in your life. "Meaning" is what makes your heart sing. It comes from doing what matters most to you. If life feels a little shallow, or you don't know why you do what you do anymore, a coach can help re-ignite the passion in your life.
6. You want to take better care of yourself. A coach will help you set clear boundaries, set goals/milestones and encourage you to achieve your targets.
7. You want to make more money. People hire coaches when they want to upgrade their careers or launch a new business.
Where do I go to get coached?
The European Mentor & Coaching Council (EMCC) and International Coaching Federation are 2 International Governing Bodies for coaches and will have a list of accredited members.
When does it start to take effect?
After 2 sessions you will know if coaching is working for you. The First session is a get to know each other session. By the end of the 2nd session you'll know if the coach is right for you, have helped you set goals and identify ways in which you can change. It is vital that you pick a coach that you have chemistry with, can work with & can trust.
About the Author. Keith Darcy has a Diploma in Personal Development & Executive Leadership and is registered with the EMCC. He is also a Management accountant (ACMA) and Qualified Financial Advisor with the Institute of Bankers Ireland.
