The pursuit of perfection means constantly searching for ways to improve your skillset. Whether it’s listening to podcasts during a workout or reading blogs like this, many leaders seek ways to improve and be more effective. While these efforts produce results, they can only take you so far. If you’ve found that your professional growth has plateaued, it may be time to invest in executive coaching. Coaching allows you to personalize a program that builds on your strengths and gets you moving toward achieving your specific goals.
Why Leadership Coaching?
Online courses and independent research are popular self-improvement methods, but coaching takes it a step further. Instead of impersonal, catch-all programs designed to cater to the least common denominator, working with an ICF certified leadership coach provides personalization. This one-on-one approach gives executives a uniquely tailored program that can yield better results.
Leadership coaching works so well because it is relationship-driven. Most often, a coach will spend time getting to know you, learning more about the direction you would like to go, understanding what may be getting in the way of your progress to reach those goals, and providing you with the tools to create an action plan. You are creative, resourceful, and whole. An effective coach is responsible for your discovery, clarifying your direction, and providing you alignment.
How to Choose a Leadership Coach
Choosing the right leadership coach can transform your career and personal growth. However, with so many coaches out there, it can be challenging to find the perfect match. By focusing on the right criteria and asking the right questions, you can identify a coach who will guide you effectively. Let’s explore the three crucial aspects to consider.
Do Your Homework
Before you start your search, spend time thinking about how you work, and your specific goals. Make a list of your individual wants, needs, and objectives. Once complete, start your search for a coach. Keep in mind that not all coaches are the same, and not everyone will be a good fit for you.
Some questions to ask while you’re searching for a coach:
• Are you certified, and if so, by whom?
• Where did you receive your training to become a coach?
• What is your background?
• Tell me about your experience as a leadership coach.
• What is your coaching philosophy?
• What commitment do you ask of your clients?
• What tools do you use in your coaching, and why?
Begin with the end in mind
Once you’ve found a coach, get clear about what results you’d like to see. Work together to set realistic goals and a plan to get there. A coach is there to cheer you on but also to challenge you to work smarter, think bigger, and do better. This isn’t the time to sell yourself as a perfect leader. Be honest about your flaws and blind spots, and let your coach help you best address them.
Invest and Engage
Like any meaningful endeavor or relationship, you must commit to doing the work. Before spending a minute with a coach, you must commit to the work and engage fully. It’s not enough to participate. Coaching may involve changing habits and thinking differently. Keep in mind that real, meaningful change often comes when you can work outside of your comfort zone.
Communicate
As you discuss your goals, strengths, and opportunities, be honest with yourself and your coach. Trust is the keystone of a successful outcome in working with a coach. Investing in yourself is a smart move to make the coming year even more successful. A coach can be an asset to help you streamline, push you into innovation, help you recognize your blind spots, and build on skills you already have.
Need to Find an Executive Leadership Coach? Birdie Can Help.
If you need help finding a coach, we can help! Birdie has a certified coach on staff, and we would enjoy speaking with you about your specific needs. We are based out of Denver, CO, but we help executives all across the country. If you’re out of state, we video-chat with our clients regularly and find this to be a seamless and positive interaction. We also recognize we may not be the right fit for you, but we welcome the opportunity to help you embark on this journey.
