I bet you have a deadline right before Christmas. You probably don't have any time to breathe, let alone reflect on the past year. And over the break, your time will be filled with festivities, family, travel and hopefully sleep. But, what if you did stop, just for a minute, to ask yourself:
- Did I make the right choices this year?
- Did I achieve what I thought I would achieve?
- Have I changed what I wanted to change?
And if you get another minute:
- What will challenge me in 2017?
- What would I like to change?
- What support do I need to achieve my goals?
If you are serious about your career and personal development in 2017, consider partnering with an executive coach. Coaching has become a significant trend in leadership development because it delivers results by increasing effectiveness and empowering employees. If you want to get ahead in 2017, here are five reasons to work with a coach:
1. Improve Your Strategic Thinking
Under the guise of productivity - meetings, emails, over-commitment - you will probably have squeezed out any valuable thinking time. As a consequence rushed decision making tends to be based on what has happened before - more reflexive rather than reflective. Coaching time gives you thinking space to create connections, to see alternatives and future opportunities, as well as providing a safe space to explore any gaps.
"It's valuable to have these leadership discussions with an independent professional regardless of how well things are going in working life."*
2. Hit The Ground Running
Change can happen fast, especially if you are thrown into a new role or have returned from extended leave. We can all feel susceptible to criticism, lacking confidence or feel pressured to contribute more than we can. And a lot of us will relate to experiencing role conflictions, balancing design work + management. Coaching will support you in fulfilling your own expectations as well as others. An increase in self-awareness will bring you confidence and help you feel calmer, more focused.
"I could see my confidence grow and I am more effective at using my strengths."
3. Stop Distractions From Stopping You
Like me, you may be someone who likes to "get the job done". You don't think of getting help, independence is your middle name. You've got goals, but when it comes down to it, stuff just gets in the way. You might be a 'people pleaser' - saying yes to others and putting your own needs last. Or it could be that you haven't found the motivation to get started or keep going. Engaging a coach sends out an immediate signal of commitment, to yourself and to others. Your coach can act as an accountability partner - and give you that occasional kick up the pants!
"[I] developed accountability for my own actions and created focus and commitment to making a change."
4. Pointing Out What You Cannot See
We all have a unique way of seeing ourselves that is shaped by our underlying values and beliefs. Coaching is like holding up a mirror up to yourself. Is your body language congruent to what you say? How does your team see you? Are your thoughts in focus or out of focus? With a coach, you can practise new behaviours, try out conversations and even step into the future!
"[Coaching} helped me understand my role and responsibilities and ultimately how to delegate more effectively."
5. Support From Someone Outside The Process
Our thinking and actions are impacted by the culture we work in and the experiences we carry with us. Influenced by a landscape that includes your colleagues, team, company, friends and family, it is easy to feel bogged down in ifs and buts. Getting support from a coach who is outside the process can help you gain clarity and firm up decisions.
"Karen helped me see things from a different angle, used tools to help demonstrate possibilities and always kept me looking forward."
OK, so coaching won't suit everyone, you have to be committed to change, learning and growth. Plus, there needs to be a right fit between the coach and coachee for trust to develop and be maintained. But for those who do choose to partner with a coach, the benefits can be numerous.
If you would like to know more about coaching then please drop me an email.
Further reading:
From my website: Coach or Mentor?
Stats from the ICF (International Coach Federation): Benefits of Using a Coach
*Quotes are taken from my client testimonials found here.