Why invest in coaching and how to prepare for being coached

We often reach a point where we know something needs to change - either in what we’re doing or how we’re doing it - but we don't know how to move forward.

Whether you are an individual leader or part of team that needs to change, staying stuck is costly. For teams, poor dynamics or unresolved conflict can stall progress. For leaders, you might realise your impact on engagement or results isn't where it needs to be, but you can’t quite pinpoint what you need to do differently.

As a coach I believe the answers are already within you. My role isn't to give you the answers, but to provide the question, tools, reflection, and challenge needed to help you find them.

Finding the right coach:

Coaching is a deeply personal partnership. Before diving in, you need to find the right fit.

• For Individual Leaders: Interview at least three coaches. Look for someone who can create the right balance between support and challenge for you. You want someone who makes you feel safe enough to be vulnerable, but bold enough to grow.

• For Teams: Involve the team in the selection of the coach. For team coaching, coaches often work in pairs so ensure you have the opportunity to meet both coaches, preferably together, so that you can observe their dynamic. Does their approach align with your team’s current needs and challenges?

Before you begin: 

Coaching is an investment of time, energy, and money. To ensure you get the most from your investment, preparation is key. Before your first session, ask yourself (and/or your team):

1. Big Picture: What are the goals for this entire engagement?

2. Immediate Focus: What is the most pressing objective for this specific session?

3. "So What?": If this goes well and you achieve your objectives, what will be different? Why is this important?

For team coaching, expect your coach to meet with members individually first. This ensures every voice is heard before the group work begins.

The practice of embedding change

The work of changing happens between sessions so it’s important to be an intentional observer of your own behaviour. Notice when things go well, but also notice when you slip back into old habits under pressure.  Try to make notes so that you have these to refer to when you next meet with your coach.  They will help you look for patterns, underlying beliefs that maybe influencing your approach and strategies to move forward.

It can be hard work making changes, we often make progress but then slip back to old ways.  Noticing when this happens and course correcting takes practice.  It's like flexing a muscle that hasn't been worked in a while.  You need to keep being intentional and practicing to make progress.  Again your coach can help you to keep on course and to reflect on the progress you are making.  

The power of partnership

I have seen the transformative power of coaching firsthand - both as a coach and as a client. It works because it is a partnership. When both the coach and the client show up prepared and intentional, the impact can be transformational.

Are you ready to find the answers within?

If you'd like to discuss coaching further please contact me.