When it comes to achieving our goals, we often think we have to do it all on our own. But what if there was a professional who could help guide and support us every step of the way? That’s where a coach comes in.Â
Coaches can help us identify our goals and create a plan of action to achieve them. They can also provide motivation and accountability, which can be critical when it comes to achieving our desired results. If you’re looking to advance your career, improve your life and relationships, consider working with a coach to boost your chances of success.
What is a coach and what do they do?
You might have seen or heard the term “coach” being thrown around in your workplace, but you’re not quite sure what it means. A coach is a person who helps others achieve success.Â
Think of a coach as someone who can help you achieve your goals and dreams. They act as your personal guide and motivator, providing support every step of the way. Coaches can come in many different shapes and sizes, but their main goal is to help you grow and develop into the best possible version of yourself as you work on your professional and personal development.
How can a coach help you achieve your goals?
A coach can help you understand what you desire out of life. The process of working with a coach will help you find your true purpose and motivation and figure out the steps needed to set you on this path. Think about the last time you set a goal for yourself. Maybe it was to get in shape or learn a new skill. How well did you achieve that goal on your own? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably not very well.
By working with a coach, you can increase your chances of reaching your potential. Coaching will help you achieve your goals in that the relationship with your coach will provide a safe space to examine your current situation, the beliefs and behaviors that are keeping you from reaching your potential, the creation of goals, and implementation a plan of action with ongoing accountability.Â
What are the benefits of working with a coach?
It can be difficult to assess and improve your own professional or personal development. That’s where a coach comes in – someone who can help you set goals, track progress, and provide feedback and support along the way.
When it comes to working with a coach, the benefits can be overwhelmingly positive. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, improve your leadership skills, or simply achieve a personal goal, a coach can be an invaluable resource. Here are just a few of the benefits that come with working with a coach.Â
- Increased confidence and productivity – When you have someone who is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals, it can be incredibly motivating. A coach will help keep you on track and accountable for your actions, which can lead to greater productivity overall.
- Improved communication skills – Coaching is all about communication – after all, that’s how the coach helps their clients achieve their goals. By participating in coaching sessions driven by careful questioning and listening, you learn how to effectively get in touch with what you desire, what motivates you and the process will help you find better ways to articulate your desired results.Â
- Improved relationships – The coaching process will help ensure that the relationship you have with yourself is a positive one. Once that is achieved, it will enhance your ability to accept and celebrate the fact that we are all different and have different desires and motivations in life. You will be able to actively listen to hear what others have to say, be more present with others, trust more, be more understanding and empathetic and treat people how they want to be treated.
How do you find the right coach for you?
Make sure a coach is what you need.
Coaching many times can be confused with other disciplines like therapy or mentorship. Each approach has unique characteristics.
Therapy has often been seen as the gold standard for many forms of counseling, but modern-day society is more focused on forward-looking coaching. Your coach won’t spend much time digging into your past experiences or even ask questions like “Why do you think that was? What bad thing happened there to make you feel this way?” Instead, they’ll provide support and guidance through what may be difficult times in order to help reach a desired result.
A mentor offers advice and guidance based on their experiences, coaches will ask powerful questions in order get an accurate understanding of what’s happening to support the creation of a plan and actionable items to align with the client’s ultimate desires. No one approach is better than the other, but it is important for you to understand if you want and need a coach.
Determine if they are trained.
Coaching is an increasingly popular form of professional and personal development. As with many things, there’s not enough regulation in coaching so it can be challenging for a person who wants to select a coach. Coaches who are ICF- accredited have passed rigorous training courses that equip them with skills necessary for success in this business and ensure quality coaching service delivery. Make sure you ask a prospective coach about their training and credentials.
Ask what tools and methodologies they use.
You want to make sure your coach is utilizing proven coaching methodologies and techniques. This ensures the coaching engagement will be effective in helping you achieve our desired results. In addition, it is important to understand if their approach resonates with you and what you are looking for.Â
Ask them about their coaching style.
One of the most important things to consider when looking for a coach is their personality and style. Some coaches are very organized, while others tend more towards and open-ended and free flowing discussion. Some are confrontational and challenging while others are warm and more supportive. Knowing which style aligns with your needs will help you be more engaged so that your goals can be achieved effectively.Â
Ask for a free consultation with a coach.
Most coaches offer a free initial consultation. It is great way to see if you are comfortable with a prospective coach and it can help you understand how the process will work and if it will be a good fit.
What should you expect from coaching sessions?
You should expect your coach to create a safe space, to listen intently, and to ask thoughtful questions and allow you to answer them fully. It is your responsibility to show up and not be distracted. In preparation for your session, you should:
- Be prepared to discuss progress you have been making or where you are struggling
- Consider the areas on which you would like to focus
- Define your goals for the session
- Bring your own ideas for what you need to do next
- Create questions for your coach
What does coaching cost?
Coaching can be priced in several ways. Some coaches charge by the hour. Rates can be from $50-$500 per hour. The rates are tied to the level of experience and training and the complexity of the coaching engagement. Other coaches will only engage for a set period of time, say three or six months. Some coaches will bundle their sessions in blocks of 5, 10 or 15 sessions depending on the client’s desired results. During your free consultation with a coach or during your initial conversation, make sure to ask for pricing details and options.Â
Coaching is a powerful process that can help you explore and achieve all that you desire. If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed or want to take your professional and personal development to the next level, contact JKO Solutions for your free 30 minute coaching consultation. We would be honored to support you in reaching your dreams!
