Speaker Jim Rohn once
said, “We could all use a little coaching. When you’re
in the game, it’s hard to think of everything.”
Wanting and needing a
‘little’ coaching, however, is not enough. Individual
coaching is a relationship between coach and client
which requires a certain level of readiness and
willingness on the part of the client. Here are some
questions that will help you determine whether you are
ready:
Are you Ready?.
Do you have at least one aspect of your life (personal
and/or professional) that is important enough for you to
dedicate to coaching?
Are You Willing?.
Are you willing to accept new perspectives? It is
important that you be open to (not defensive about)
another’s perspectives. One of the most valuable
benefits of being coached is to explore new
possibilities that take you out of your comfort zone.
A professional coach will not push you too far too
fast, but will challenge you to step out and step
forward.
Are You Able?.
Are you able to make the investment in yourself?
Coaching is an investment of time, money, and energy.
Whether or not you are paying for coaching yourself, it
is important that you understand the commitment required
to ‘show up’ and be fully engaged in the work of
coaching.
Ultimately, coaching
works because you do the work. Progress and change
occur not only within the coaching relationship, but
because your commitment to success comes as a result of
what you do to achieve your goals. Your coach will help
shine a light on where you are going and on how to get
there.
Choosing a Coach
It is essential that you
choose a coach who is right for you, that you feel
comfortable with each other, that you are totally
satisfied with the ‘chemistry’ between you. The
coaching industry is not regulated by any laws; however,
there are training programs and certification
processes. Professional coaches have made a commitment
to the coaching industry by investing time, money, and
energy to their own professional development. Here are
some considerations when engaging a coach:
Background, education, and experience.
Coaches training and/or certification through an
institution accredited by The International Coaches
Federation website:
www.coachfederation.org
