1. You’ll gain perspective

At the top of an organization you have a unique perspective, but that perspective is also limited by your position of power. An executive coach is one of the few people able to tell you what you need to know, but cannot or will not see. Your coach can give you objective and constructive feedback on your blind spots, and provide an outside perspective on the business and your team.

 

2. You can discuss ideas that are still in the inkling stage and get support in making better decisions

Ideas and strategy can grow through discussion. We all need a sounding board, but often the only people around us are those that are impacted by the decision. Coaching is a place to test out ideas and strategy with someone you trust who has no vested interest or competing agenda.

 

3. You’ll transition into new, bigger roles with ease

“What got you here won’t get you there.” A good coach can help a leader hit the ground running in a new role. Past success can be a big impediment to moving up the ladder successfully as we tend to repeat what has worked in the past, even though it may not be appropriate in our new role. Executive coaching can accelerate the transition and ensure success.

 

4. You’ll have a secure, safe, and confidential outlet to vent, when necessary

Pent up frustrations, anger, and disappointments impair good judgment and relationships. Everyone needs a safe place to complain, vent, and talk things out.

 

5. You’ll stay ahead of the curve and become a better leader

To win, you need to continually upgrade your skills and think outside the box. Your coach will provide tools, training, and insights that support you in playing your best game.

 

Do you know what a coach does?

Before you dive head first into a coaching relationship let’s talk about what coaching isn’t.

 

Coaching is not advice from your friends or family

Though well-meaning, it’s tough for our friends and family to be objective. They know the decisions you make might affect them as well!

 

Coaching is not therapy

A therapist help clients fix problems - heal the past, cure additions, manage mental illness, etc. A therapist helps the client move from the past to present by focusing on “why.”

 

A coach is not a consultant

Your coach should not have an agenda. She shouldn't give you suggestions to solve a problem and then leave you to implement the solution yourself.

 

A coach is not a mentor

Your coach is not someone who's "been there, done that" and will share her experience.

 

Your coach isn’t going to help you with sports

She isn’t going to focus on win/lose scenarios.

 

Let’s talk about what coaching is.

There are many, many, many people doing what they call coaching. True coaching is done by either a certified professional or someone who has leveraged their experience to serve their clients and the coaching process is created in a very unique way. The most important factor to consider when hiring a coach is chemistry. Because coaching is a creative & collaborative effort based solely on what the client wants – the client’s agenda.

 

 

A good coach will:

• Be objective, non-judgmental, and a partner to your success

 

• Help you move forward from the present to the future by focusing on “how”

 

• Help you generate win/win solutions

 

• Help you be the very best you can be, inspire you, and champion you

 

• Help you come from a place of confidence

 

• Help you accomplish more than you thought you could do

 

• Challenge you to focus your time and energy on what you really want to

 

• Be solution-focused

 

Coaching is a partnership in which you and your coach designs a plan based on your agenda – taking what’s inside and translating it into goals that you accomplish step-by-step. So, what areas would you improve personally & professionally by hiring a coach?

 

Kelly A. Meerbott is principal of You: Loud & Clear, Inc. in Philadelphia. She can be reached at kelly@youloudandclear.com or www.youloudandclear.com

 

For full article go to bizjournals.com: Published originally Aug 4, 2014