Are you ready for coaching?

Professional coaching is hugely popular and when carried out well, extremely effective. But - it is not for everyone. The following questions are designed to help you determine whether coaching is right for you, at this time.

Do you want to be told what to do?

Coaching is not training, mentoring or counselling. If you want to be told what to do or simply be given advice, coaching is not for you. Those who start a coaching programme with this expectation will become frustrated when the coach does not offer instructions or directions. Equally, coaching requires you to work hard; if you expect the coach to do all the work you won't benefit from coaching.

Do you want your coach to do all the work?

Some people approach coaching in a kind of 'brain dump' fashion - they want to hand all the background, issues and their goals to the coach and then sit back while the coach unravels it all, pronounces their verdict on the situation, then tells them what to do and even provides notes to this effect at the end of the session. THIS IS NOT COACHING.

Do you want to have it all done yesterday?

Coaching is about making changes - whether to your thoughts, attitudes, approaches or behaviours. These changes do not happen overnight and making real, lasting change takes longer still. If you expect things to turn out very quickly, you may be disappointed at the approach the coach works with. Rapid change can happen, but it’s not guaranteed. The changes achieved with coaching are profound and lasting, and not shallow and fleeting - they require some time.

Do you want to achieve your goals without effort or commitment?

Coaching is an extremely effective approach to achieving change however it takes effort, time and a real commitment on your part to make that happen. If you cannot commit to working on sustainable development you will struggle with coaching as a learning tool.

Are you strongly action-oriented and dislike reflection?

Coaching involves time to think, reflect and ponder on your situation, opportunities and possibilities. Some people do not value the time to sit back and think. They might struggle to engage in the necessary steps required to learn more about themselves and find solutions, and may struggle to sit with a coach and engage in the listening, reflecting and thinking required.

Do you resist self-reflection or find 'self-inspection' uncomfortable?

Those people who are uncomfortable examining their own thoughts, feelings, performance and behaviour might struggle with coaching as it might keep them constantly in an extremely uncomfortable space. Some discomfort is valuable in coaching but anxiety or feeling overwhelmed is not.

Mainly yes?
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Answering mainly 'yes' to the above questions does not necessarily mean that coaching won't be successful for you. A successful coaching outcome requires you to work hard, maintain commitment and be willing to be challenged. It can be uncomfortable and difficult at times.

If you are serious about wanting coaching to help you and you think that some of these points may apply to you, let us know and, if appropriate, we'll do some pre-work to help you to be ready for the experience.