A633.8.3.RB_How Do Coaches Help?

Coaching to me is one of the most important aspects of being a leader.  Speaking from experience, I have found that coaching is one of those most influential aspects of learning and growing both personally and professionally.  I learn better when coaching is involved because I find the experience is more personal, it is one-on-one, and is geared to your needs and not the needs of a group of people.  What does coaching provide to their clients?  I suppose the question should be more geared to what they don’t provide because what they do provide is sometimes hard to put on paper (too much good qualities not enough space to write it all) all the wonderful things coaching offers. Coaching provides their clients with the experience to learn and grown at their pace, retain more information/knowledge, have the ability to ask questions without feeling judged, exponential growth potentials and most certainly gain a more positive learning experience.

Given the statement above what is it that coaches do to provide value to their clients?  How a coach provides value to their clients is going to be different for each.  No two coaches will perform the same tasks/activities and no two clients will have the same reactions. Everyone is different but the way coaches can provide value (given the statement) is by doing a little bit of talking, a lot of listening and even more action.  As a leader you need to talk less and listen more so that you can help to coach more effectively.  I have found that some of the best coaches I ever had listened to me more than anyone I knew.  I gained more from them after they knew and understood me.

Why is coaching a vital aspect of both leadership and strategy?  Coaching is a vital aspect because coaching takes new leaders who are rough around the edges and pairs them with experts who can help them to grow and flourish more.  When you are a stronger leader you are more strategic in your thinking and therefore affect strategy within your organization.  Coaching leads to positive change which then leads to strong strategies and or strategic changes.

How can it make a difference in an organization?  Coaching can help make a difference within and organization because it is empowering for employees/clients.  Coaching allows for individuals to hone in on their skills and sharpen them. 

What does this mean to you and your organization?  Coaching for me is a huge part of higher education.  I started off with the most amazing coach when I was 20 years old and I don’t think without her I would be where I am at today.  It only takes one good experience to change the rest of a person’s life.  The more organizations believe in coaching and actively coach their employees the more positive changes they can experience.
 

I love coaching and I truly believe it can change the way an individual feels about themselves, their job and the organization they work for!