Understand what coaching is — and isn’t
Sometimes, career coaching relationships don’t work out because the person hiring a coach doesn’t fully understand the nature of a coaching relationship, says J. Victor McGuire, founder of the nonprofit Coaching For Everyone.
A coach will help you clarify your goals and create a plan to help you reach them in the best way for you.
However, McGuire says, people often confuse coaching with advising.
“But when I give advice, then I’m not coaching,” he says. “So, if you want me to take off my coaching hat and put on my advisor hat, I can do that. But I’m not coaching you.” Instead, he’s giving input based on his experience. That may or may not be right for you. for credentials from reputable organizations like the International Coaching Federation or Academy for Creative Coaching. Beyond that, it helps if the coach has experience related to what you want to do, says career and life coach Caroline Castrillon, founder of the Corporate Escape Artist.
“One of the reasons people hire me is because I’ve been in the corporate world, working as a marketing executive, for over 25 years in different companies. So I understand what they’re going through,” she says. When someone has successfully done what you hope to do, they have more insight to help you create a game plan. Where to look? In addition to coaching certification entities, professional associations, LinkedIn and recommendations from colleagues are good places to start.
Castrillon recommends that you also look for someone with whom you feel a connection. “Follow your instincts,” she says. A coaching relationship is very personal, and you’re going to have to trust your coach for them to help you. If you don’t feel that, you can keep looking. effort here. Realize that coaching involves not just one-on-one sessions but also “homework” that may range from reading and research to meetings or other tasks. How much time do you have to devote to your coaching relationship? How often will you meet? What will your coach expect of you? These are all questions that need to be explored before the coaching relationship begins. If you’re very busy, it might make sense to meet every other week instead of weekly to give you time to do the work in between sessions, he says. your coach. But if you don’t share what’s holding you back, your coach can’t help, so honesty is essential, she says.