Coaching expectations for success
What is Career Coaching?
What is career coaching?
Career coaching is a process that helps you to identify your goals and then create a plan to achieve them. It involves working with a coach who can help you to clarify your values, set clear targets for success and make positive changes in your life.
What does it involve?
Coaching sessions usually last between one hour and one day per week depending on your needs and circumstances. Sessions may be virtual. The process can include the following:
Identifying what's holding you back from achieving your goals (e.g., lack of confidence)
Exploring ways in which these barriers might be overcome (e.g., by practising public speaking)
Setting realistic goals.
As a client, what are the expectations?
Note: This list is a selection of expectations and not a fully comprehensive list. For individuals who haven’t worked with a coach before or for individuals who want to greater understand how sessions work, please have a read of the list below.
Openness to trying new tools and techniques led by the coach. Be coachable! Be open to exploring multiple techniques to find the one(s) that work for you.
Personal responsibility for implementing and creating change. You are responsible for your own success/failure.
Ask questions!
Communicate your goals.
Accountability and doing your best:
To commit to a regular coaching schedule.
To show up on time to your coaching sessions.
To state your wants and needs.
To complete assigned homework.
To be committed to doing your own inner work in spite of challenges and roadblocks.
To focus on what you want instead of what you don’t want.
To keep taking action.
As my coach, what are the expectations?
To help you intentionally uncover more information by asking questions.
To hold a safe and supportive environment to share information.
To do my best to meet you where you are at.
To utilize the tools and techniques to best serve your situation.
To keep you accountable.
To help push you through your comfort zones.
To help you dig deeper into patterns and habits.
To help you get out of your own way.
To help you understand your deeper values.
To be open to feedback and align sessions to best serve your needs.
Qualities that I can bring to serve you:
Empathy
Strong communication skills
International experience in Communications, HR and Tech. Experience as a business owner.
Adaptability and flexibility
Goal-orientated
Find out more about coaching in my article about the value of career/mindset coaching.
The Benefits of Career Coaching
What are the benefits of career coaching?
A career coach can help you reach your goals by providing:An objective perspective on your situation and what needs to be done. They'll help you identify goals, set priorities and make decisions that will move you forward in a meaningful way.
A sense of direction or focus so that when it comes time for decision-making or taking action, there's no question about which direction to go in (or if there should even be any doubt).
A safe environment where mistakes won't be punished; instead they're seen as opportunities for learning and growth--and often become part of a valuable learning experience!
Career Coaching and Goal Setting
Career coaching helps you set goals and reach them. You can use a coach to help you figure out what your goals are, or they can help you get started with setting them. Goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (or "S.M.A.R.T.").
A career coach will help you identify what type of work would make you happy and fulfilled in the long run--and then break down how to get there step by step so that it doesn't seem so daunting or overwhelming!Career Coaching and Career Development
Career coaching can help you to develop your professional skills. This is especially true if you're looking for a new job, or if you want to advance in your current role.
Career coaches can help with:Learning how to articulate what value you bring to their organization and why you are the best person for the job.
Developing skills such as interviewing, networking effectively and demonstrating leadership potential (or whatever other qualities are required by your industry).
Career Coaching and Career Change
If you're considering a career change, career coaching can help. Career coaches are trained to help people identify their strengths, passions, and goals for their future. Career coaches also help clients devise strategies to achieve those goals.
Career coaches use a variety of methods to help clients make successful transitions:
*Ask questions to understand what motivates each person individually, then work with you to develop skills or improve your resume so you can achieve success in your new career.
*Suggest networking events where you can meet potential employers or mentors who might have leads on jobs or internships that fit with what you want out of life right now (or later).
Potential Areas to Work on:
Developing a career plan for you: A career coach can help you develop a clear, actionable career plan that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Improving your job search skills: A career coach can help you refine and improve your job strategy, as well as help you identify potential job opportunities.
Building your professional network: A career coach can help you build confidence around networking and also help you identify and connect with people in your industry. Building your network can support you in finding job opportunities.
Transitioning to a new career: If you're looking to change careers, a career coach can help you identify your transferable skills, explore different career options, and develop a plan to make the transition.
Potential Questions to Ask:
Here are some questions to ask if you’re interested in career coaching:
What is your coaching philosophy? Understanding a career coach's approach and style is important, as it can help you determine if it's a good fit for you.
What is your process for working with clients? A career coach's process can vary, so it's important to understand what to expect in terms of the number of sessions, the types of assessments or exercises you'll be doing, and the expected outcome.
Can you provide success stories from past clients? Hearing about other clients' experiences can help you get a sense of what it's like to work with a particular coach.
What do you think are my strengths and areas for improvement? A career coach can provide you with some initial observations or insights about your career goals and challenges.