“An advocate,” whom I’ll call your Coach, helps you chart your course and reach your destination. A relationship different than any other you’ve ever had – someone in your corner … totally committed to your success. Someone who always encourages the authentic part of you, who sees how focused you can be, and constantly holding up that image for you even if you can’t hold it up yourself.
Imagine a relationship placing total focus on you? A relationship with someone who helps you achieve and live up to your dreams, aspirations, passions, and values. Someone who helps you celebrate your victories someone who will help you recognize your setbacks as you press forward – achieving your goals together.
Consider the benefits of having regular conversations with a skilled, trained professional who really listens to you (not just your words) but to your emotions, your energy, and even the spaces between your words. A coach is a professional who provides a ‘safe’ place for you to move beyond superficial, inhibited, self-limiting conversations, so you have the confidence to express doubts and even fears. A coach is someone who helps you gain the tools and strength you need to identify, confront, and defeat the attitudes and behaviors that have sabotaged your past success and created stress in your life.
Imagine having a trustworthy, confidential relationship with someone who will absolutely tell you the truth, the truth about where you are strong, and where you sell yourself short. Someone who knows your values and your life purpose, and will help you hold yourself true to them. Someone who will accept everything you communicate without judgment, seeking to get the very best in you.
The impact of coaching increases with time. As coach and client get to know each other better, the coach becomes more familiar with the client’s strengths, weaknesses, aspirations, and dreams.
Can you benefit from having a coach? We believe anyone going through change, which includes just about all of us, will benefit from having a coach. Where do you find a good coach? Coaches come in all shapes and sizes, but here are some characteristics that good coaches possess:
- They are excellent listeners. Asking good questions rather than giving good advice.
- They are curious people. They love to explore beneath the surface to uncover a person’s dreams, values, and passions.
- They are self-assured and truly rejoice in other people’s success.
- They seek out new relationships and enjoy working one-on-one with people over an extended period of time.
- They are enhancers who get a thrill out of helping others achieve their dreams.
- They have positive attitudes and they look for, affirm, and expect the best in others.
- They are honest and they are not afraid to challenge others when that’s the best way to help them.
- They are unselfish and willing to get out of the way so others can grow.
A good coach is a professional who works with individual clients to help them achieve results and sustain life-changing behavior in both their personal lives and careers. Good coaches address the whole person with an emphasis on uncovering blind spots and producing right action that leads to more fulfillments, balance, and an enjoyable life journey.
