I first heard of business coaching in France. When someone told me they had a coach, I asked “What sport?” I confess I was skeptical at first. However, after watching the results of the process with several long time colleagues, I was convinced.
Results based coaching is a process that enables individuals and organizations to achieve their short and long term goals and ambitions. Whether you are building your own career or working with a team to build a successful business, you need to identify those goals and make a game plan to achieve them. That seems simple. However, you will often be surprised to learn that what you thought you wanted to achieve is not really where you are headed. This can be even more complicated if you are working on a management team. Each individual has their own set of goals and ambitions, and it may or may not match with the overall organization. Often times, these conflicts are not intentional and maybe not apparent. That is where the coach comes in. They look in from the outside and help you see the field from a different perspective.
Life, like sport, is more rewarding if you are doing something that you enjoy and that has meaning for you. One definition of integrity is how closely your life aligns with your values. The first step in setting your game plan is to define those values. You can then see if your effort is lined up with your goal.
“You cannot escape the results of your thoughts. Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain or rise with your thoughts, your vision, your ideal. You will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration. ”
James Allen (1864-1912)
Regardless of where you are in your career or if you are considering changing careers, you need to have a game plan. Planning your career is one of the most important actions you can take to achieve your goals. Be assured, things will not go as planned. However, if you have given serious thought to what skills you need to hone and what experiences would be of benefit to you, you may see opportunities that were not so obvious before.
It is not just the big moves, however, that inform where you are and where you are going, but the way you are able to address the blocking and tackling of the day to day routine of your current job. How do you handle that annoying colleague? How are your presentation skills? Are you showcasing your good work? Have you asked to be considered for what you think is your next step?
Coaching and mentoring can help:
- Identify your true values.
- Set goals in line with those values.
- Establish an action plan to achieve your goals.
- Help you set priorities
- Anticipate and overcome potential obstacles.
- Lead you out of your comfort zone to explore new options.
- Provide other perspectives.
- Recommend other resources.
- Meet regularly to discuss progress and results.
- Celebrate your achievements.
So find yourself a coach today. You’ll never know what position you might have played if you don’t get on the field.
Want support to implement Jan’s ideas in your own life? Join Plaid for Women to connect with women who share similar goals and a commitment to success!
