So what’s all this about coaching?

Lately, I’ve been fielding inquiries from individuals, including a close friend, around being a coach.  They all asked me – “What exactly do you do, and why do people hire a coach?”  Through these conversations, I started reflecting and identified two overarching scenarios that typically prompt individuals to seek out coaching services. 

First, they find themselves at a point where they desire change, are ready to take action, yet seek support in gaining clarity, building skills and/or maintaining momentum. Alternatively, they’re in a space where they’re uncertain about what needs to happen but are able to communicate that what they’ve been doing isn’t working anymore and some aspect of their life has become nearly unbearable for them.  While the specific reasons for seeking coaching vary—from relationship endings to career transitions to personal or professional development—they usually align with one of these two scenarios. 

For those wondering about the role of a coach, here’s a brief overview of what you can typically expect. Whether it’s leadership, executive, or life coaching, these are areas you can depend on a trained coach to provide.

1. Clarity and Goal Setting: Help you gain clarity on your vision and aspirations, and then assist you in setting smaller, realistic, and achievable goals.
2. Personalized Support: Many work with clients on an individual basis, tailoring strategies, tools, assessments, and other resources to your specific needs, strengths, and challenges.
3. Motivation and Confidence Building: Boost your motivation and self-confidence, empowering you to overcome obstacles and achieve your full potential.
4. Personal & Professional Development: Coaches have access to various assessments, tools, and strategies to help clients build confidence, overcome self-doubt, improve their relationships and view of self, and generally, improve their lives.
5. Mindset and Behavior Change: Identify and shift limiting beliefs, reduce negative self-talk and patterns of unhealthy reactions & behavior, develop a growth-oriented mindset.
6. Advisor & Feedback: Coaches share observations, offer constructive feedback and help you identify blind spots and areas for improvement.  They also provide a confidential sounding board for you to explore your dreams and challenges.
7. Accountability and Support:  Provide accountability, encouragement and support to help clients remain focused, motivated and stay on track toward their goals.