What a leadership coach can do for you

Q Do I need a coach? In the past, getting a coach was like having a "scarlet letter." It was usually discussed privately and might indicate that you had a performance issue or were on a performance improvement plan (PIP), and it was often the step prior to termination. Thankfully, that's no longer the case. Now, coaches are engaged to develop high performers and be listeners and thought partners to address leadership behaviors that hinder future growth. How can a coach help? Many leaders today are evaluating their "why." Why did you want to be a leader? What has the role given you that's still "life-giving"? The role has always been complex, but do you still have joy, or are you operating from a place of fear? These leaders are at a crossroads and evaluating the significance of this turning point in their career, and they need a coach. You can seek a coach on your own, or your leader or the human resources department can initiate the coaching relationship as a part of your leadership development. Who is privy to coaching conversations depends on who initiates the coaching process. This also determines who pays for the coaching engagement. The organization won't sponsor coaching for work/life balance issues or personal matters, especially if they have on-site support such as an employee assistance program. However, you can partner with a coach to: Assist in identifying your "why" Help develop your career goals or achieve better performance, even if you're already a top performer Discuss retirement transition and possible future pathways or options for your career Have a confidential conversation with an unbiased person focusing completely on you Assess your full potential as a leader Be an accountability partner to keep you focused as you set your priorities Help you to identify how you show up best Develop strategies to increase your confidence and courage Guide you on a mental journey from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset Better understand yourself and your areas of vulnerability as a leader and identify blind spots that may hinder your professional life Help you reassess your goals and develop a professional strategic plan Can you be coached? Overall, the role of a coach is to support the person being coached in their improvement process, enabling them to surpass their goals and determine what their future/ideal self would look like if there were no limitations. It's essential to self-assess whether you're coachable or willing to be coached. Coaching isn't therapy, mentoring, or consulting. As the client, you do the work. The coach uses curiosity to evoke awareness and assist you in identifying the answers that already exist in you. A good coach won't tell you what to do. You must own the solutions. Finding the right fit If you're assigned a coach through your organization, you may have limited or no input into choosing the coach. However, in cases when you're selecting your own coach, how do you choose? Factors you may want to consider can include: Coaching style or methods used to help you achieve your goals that informs their practice Industry experience Certification(s) Membership in coaching organization such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or Institute of Coaching (IOC) Graduate of an accredited educational program Assessment approach Personal references Any other factors that are important to you. It's all about you I hope this answer helps you to determine if you need a coach. The coaching relationship is designed to focus on your needs while you're focusing on your staff and organizational strategies.