How can coaching support career development at all stages?

Career coaching is like having a 'qualified' guide by your side. Imagine you are driving in the desert (as some workplaces might feel like). Through careful questioning, exploring, clarifying and probing in a structured, non-judgemental, positive manner, coach will ask (the driver) some poignant questions: What is your destination? What will it feel, look and smell like when you arrive? How you will get there? What provisions are you taking? What challenges do you anticipate en route? What will you do if the satnav/phone battery fails ;-) ? What strategies might you adopt? What else? What else? What else? How will you know when you have arrived? A good, quaified career coach will positively enhance your wellbeing. Go find one today!

Coaching beinhaltet den Aspekt der eigenen Weiterentwicklung, gerade als Führungskraft auch zum Vorteil des Unternehmens. Wenn Sie proaktiv ein Coaching für sich selbst zu starten, beweist dies u.a. Ihre Fähigkeit: - Initiative zu ergreifen - Selbstreflexion - offen zu sein - Veränderungsbereit zu sein Wesentliche Softskills, die moderne Führungskräfte gerade auch in Zukunft benötigen benötigen.

There is an important saying that is valuable when considering a coach: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." The biggest opposition I see from job seekers in hiring a coach is that they say they "can get a job on their own." While this is absolutely true, I've come to see that many job candidates don't land the BEST jobs on their own. If you want to build a career with further advancement, more lucrative pay, and a better fit overall, it will most likely benefit you to work with a professional who has delivered this before.

Someone once told me: You naturally see the things in front of you, but you have blind spots. Your coach is someone who puts a mirror in front of you to help you see those things you can't quite see on your own. For me, that was the moment I fell in love with coaching. And, from my perspective, that's the greatest benefit – being able to learn and grow in areas you wouldn't see at the same level otherwise.

Coaching not only improves self-awareness and confidence but also helps in setting achievable goals. With valuable feedback and guidance, coaching provides the support needed to explore new opportunities and perspectives. It's a powerful tool for enhancing skills, knowledge, and overall professional development. During my previous job, I had the opportunity of coaching a few of my colleagues and watching them achieve incredible results just by offering encouragement. Coaching has the potential to unlock amazing abilities and lead to positive transformations in one's professional journey.

Coaching Journey is actually a dynamic relationship between the mentor & the mentee. It usually begins with creating a coaching agreement that outlines the scope, expectations, and desired outcomes. Afterward, a coaching assessment delves into your current situation, needs, and aspirations. A customized coaching plan is then crafted, detailing actions, strategies, and resources to achieve your goals. Regular sessions, assignments, and follow-ups help execute the plan. The coaching results are assessed, and your accomplishments are acknowledged and celebrated.

The coaching process is a dynamic, collaborative relationship built on trust, respect, and confidentiality. It begins with the establishment of a coaching agreement, defining scope and expectations, followed by a comprehensive coaching assessment to understand current circumstances and aspirations. A tailored coaching plan is then developed, outlining actionable strategies and resources to achieve goals. Regular sessions, assignments, and follow-ups provide structure and accountability for plan implementation. Finally, the coaching results are evaluated and achievements celebrated, making the coaching journey a holistic and impactful tool for personal and career development.

In a coaching relationship, you are in the driving seat. The coach is sitting next to you, holding a map, helping you navigate the road toward the destination you have selected. This is why ownership is critical for coaching to succeed. Clients who expect the coach to give them the answers they need will benefit more from a mentor rather than a coach.

When describing the coaching process I have found it relevant to emphasize that it gives the client 1. SPACE that is emotionally secure and enables one to deal confidentially and safely even with the most delicate issues; 2. TIME that is separated from everyday demands to give room for authentic contemplation; 3. STRUCTURE to support performance enhancement; and a facilitated 4. PROCESS that is distinctly results-driven and encouraging the client to excel. This seems to matter more than outlining the concrete steps or even your specific coaching approach (say, a solution-focused approach, Gestalt coaching approach, or systemic coaching approach).

The coaching process supports growth across all stages by meeting the client where they are at in their current growth stage. By acknowledging and working with the current growth stage of the client, we help them untangle where they have been, and start to see more clearly where they would like to go- relative to their current experience.

Ethics and Boundaries support development in that it helps create a safe container for exploring the clients growth. What the coach and client create is something separate and sacred to their own experience, and is integral to the client successfully progressing and growing.

I find this is also something that coaches can teach their clients. At least for those that I coach they usually need help in learning to set their own professional boundaries.

Always seek someone who is qualified because ethics and boundaries are crucial. While qualification doesn't guarantee that a coach respects these principles, it provides a safer choice. It's important to note that many coaches hold multiple qualifications. Although coaching doesn't inherently involve mentorship, if the client agrees, offering guidance occasionally is acceptable. If we are experts at something and the client is about to make a poor choice due to lack of knowledge, it is also ethical not to withhold information. This should be done rarely, without disempowering the client and always with their agreement.

-Confidentiality: Coaches maintain strict confidentiality regarding all discussions and information shared during sessions. -Respect and Empathy: Coaches show respect and empathy towards their clients, creating a safe and supportive environment. -Non-judgmental Approach: Coaching is conducted in a non-judgmental manner, focusing on positive development rather than criticism. -Clear Boundaries: Coaches establish and maintain clear boundaries to ensure a professional relationship and avoid conflicts of interest.

The primary reason for offering one, if not two, free calls is to assess whether we are a good match. Collaboration is key, and shared values play a crucial role. Getting to know each other and understanding our working dynamics is essential. You might have preferences that align better with another coach, and that's completely fine. A free call isn't a sales pitch; it's about genuinely determining if working together is mutually beneficial. As coaches, our reputation relies on delivering an excellent service and a positive client experience, making it imperative for us to work with clients which are a fit for us too.

There are three really important elements to consider when finding a coach. The first to see if they are member of a relevant professional association. In the UK for instance, have a look at the Professional Register of the Career Development Institute. Members are trained to Level 6 or 7 and have to do 25 hours of CPD to ensure their practice is up to date and effective. The second element to ask for a discovery or chemistry call. Good career coaches offer this free, knowing that if the connection isn't there, it will not service either client or coach. Finally, the third element is to look at testimonials both on their website and on LinkedIn.

When looking for a coach, you need to be comfortable with the person you choose. You need to trust their judgement, and know they have the right skills + experiences to tap into when helping you navigate your challenges. Depending on the goals you have for coaching and your own personal communication & learning styles, you might want to set yourself scoring criteria to see if the coach you're meeting is the right fit for you. For me, I tend to look at coaches who: - Have experience in the space I need help in - Have a sense of humour - Can challenge me when I'm going through a tough patch Ultimately, coaching is a partnership. And you need to trust your partner has your back at all times.

Hiring a coach can be one of the best investments you make in your life. I encourage you to seek the perfect match, someone willing to challenge your comfort zone and assertive enough to build a trusting relationship.

Don't underestimate your first impression of a coach. While first impressions can be influenced by personal biases, so will the working relationship. Finding a coach you immediately feel at ease with can accelerate the process, which depends on how open you are ready to be.

Being honest to yourself is key to having a successful coaching experience. One should be having self awareness, accepting their vulnerabilities, and owning a growth mindset. We should accept those facts before we decide to go into coaching, otherwise the relationship will not be fruitful.

There’s a great quote from Jim Rohn which is “You’re level of success will never exceed you’re level of personal development” The coaching space is an opportunity for you to bring your biggest challenges, your ambitious goals and your stickiest obstacles so you can reflect, generate new insight, learn about yourself and grow in so many different ways. I believe we’re never “done”, career development is an ongoing, life long journey which coaching can hugely impact whatever stage you’re at.

-Be Open: Approach coaching with an open mind, willing to explore new ideas and perspectives. -Active Participation: Engage actively in the coaching process, completing assignments and taking ownership of your development. -Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that coaching is a collaborative process and results may take time. -Reflect and Apply: Regularly reflect on the insights gained during coaching sessions and apply them to your daily work and career planning.

In my experience, there are a few things someone can do to make the most out of coaching. One is taking time to think about how they want to grow and sharing that with their coach. Two is being open to feedback...this is especially important when working to overcome biases. Three is a willingness to step out and take risks...you have the safety of the coach who can help you course correct if you need it.

I would sum this up in one short and sweet phrase that I tell my clients when we meet first: You get out of it what you put into it.

Coaching only works when you’re open to taking risks. Every coach has their own leadership style, be sure to snatch the one that will make you a little uncomfortable-in a positive way. Once you get that coach, try their techniques and strategies with open arms. What’s the famous saying, “ you won’t know until you try.” Some of the action steps may make you feel like they won’t work, but trust the process and the motivation behind the steps. When you’re coaching a client at any stage, your goal is to see progress to profit. Executing steps that make you uncomfortable can look like inviting 3-5 new professions for coffee chats. Be sure to clarify with your coach before you question their moves. They’re there to help not hinder!

Coaching is not a one size fit all. As you seek to engage with a life and or Career Coach, be open to the differences in personality, cultural differences and leadership styles. Release expectations but go with anticipation that this will be one of the most valuable experience of your life. Too often we are hang upon expectations and when those perceived expectations aren't met we say it didn't work. Remember, if you don't have a story - you don't have to live up to it. Joyful anticipation allows you to be open to the transformative process of coaching.

Be clear on how coaching is different to mentoring or therapy. Understanding the differences will help setting clear expectations, which is the first step to make coaching work.

Connecting to the article's title, it is very helpful to look at life coaching as it's connected to our own growth and development. That is what coaching is at its best !

70>20>10 Benchmark on Trg' & Devt' are; 70 On the Job 20 Feedback, Coaching & Mentoring 10 Class Room Trg' On the Job includes Job Rotation, Job Enhancemrnt & Enrichment, Job Shadoeing.