Do I need a Coach?

To use the famous/infamous consultants retort, that depends, as whether or not you might decide you need one depends on your specific career goals, needs, and your current situation.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” 

In this post we answer some of the questions you may need to have answered to make that decision for yourself. If there are questions you still have at the end, feel free to post them in the comments and we’ll try our best to get you answers.

How do coaches help their clients?

To decide if you coaching might be of help to you, let’s first take a look at the common ways in which coaches help their clients:

1. Unbiased advice: Unlike family and friends who have already form their understanding of who they think you are, coaches come with an unbiased view and so can work with you to better understand who you are now, and armed with developing a vision who you’d like become, help you figure out how to get there
2. Help succeed in a newly appointed position: Changing into a new position can be a great opportunity to re-evaluate how you approach different aspects of work, understand your current competences versus the ones necessary for new position, and so on. A coach can help you navigate the uncertainty and build strategies to help you become successful in your new role
3. Identifying strengths and competency development goals A coach can help you identify your unique strengths and how to leverage them in your career. They can also help you identify competencies you may want to further develop or new ones you may to acquire
4. Build and execute a plan: A coach can help you create a plan of action to achieve your goals, including identifying any obstacles you may need to overcome and choosing appropriate strategies and tactics to overcome them
5. Networking: A coach can help you expand your network and connect you with people who can help you advance in your career including providing mentorship
6. Interview preparation: A coach can help you prepare for job interviews by teaching you how to communicate your skills and qualifications effectively.
7. Navigate Career changes: If you are considering a career change or have recently found yourself unemployed and want to try something new, a coach can help you explore different options and to you make a smooth transition
8. Improve Self-awareness: A coach can help you understand yourself better so you make better choices.
9. Encouragement and support: A coach can provide you with the encouragement and support you need to achieve your career goals.

How might I know if I need a coach?

1. You’re having difficulty finding a job or advancing where you are: A coach can help you identify the obstacles you may be facing and hep you identify and develop strategies to overcome them.
2. You are considering a career change but not sure where to start: A coach can help you explore different options to help you make a smoother transition.
3. You lack direction and clarity and feel you have hit a plateau: A coach can help you identify your strengths and set goals to help you move forward including appropriate competency development and how you might source it
4. Work has become stressful and unsatisfying: A coach can help you identify the cause of your stress and dissatisfaction and develop strategies to overcome them.
5. You lack self-confidence: A coach can help you identify your strengths and build confidence in yourself.
6. You find it hard to hold yourself accountable: A coach can help you stay on track and learn how to celebrate your successes and overcome setbacks or slower that expected progress as you work towards your goals.

But is it worth it?

According to a recent Randstad study, nearly everyone sees coaching as valuable.

1. According to a study by Manchester Inc, 72% of people who received career coaching reported an increase in their self-confidence.
2. Another study by the International Coach Federation found that 78% of people who received coaching reported an improvement in their work performance.
3. A study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that career coaching can lead to a ROI of up to 5 times the cost of the coaching.
4. A study by the International Coach Federation (ICF) found that the average return on investment (ROI) for career coaching was 5.7 times the cost of the coaching.
5. A study by the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Massachusetts General Hospital found that career coaching can lead to positive changes in self-esteem, life satisfaction, and job satisfaction.

Coaching is invaluable for professionals looking to step up their game and gain new perspectives on their career and goals as well as helping develop the competencies needed to achieve them.

There are many different types of coaching, each geared towards a specific area of improvement. For example, you might choose executive coaching to sharpen your leadership skills, or business coaching to give your company a boost. Additionally, you can find coaches that specialize in life coaching, which focuses on improving your overall well-being.

The benefits of coaching are backed by science — multiple studies have shown that coaching leads to better job performance, increased job satisfaction, and improved mental health. Of course, it’s also a cost-effective way to improve your professional capabilities.

If you’re thinking about trying coaching, it’s best to do your research. Look into different types of coaching to find one that aligns with your goals. Find a coach on The Hive with whom you feel comfortable. Inviting a coach into our lives only works if we are open to what they may suggest.

Overall, coaching is a smart choice for professionals looking to take their careers to the next level as it can provide new perspectives, help them develop new competencies or enhance existing ones, and provide needed support in their journey. In “How to make the right investments in yourself” we describe how to find and how to maximize your investment in coaching.

So, if you’re ready to take your professional development to the next level, consider adding coaching to your routine.

Yes, but, can I afford it?

Only you can decide if you can afford a coach. What we can say, is that all of us probably spend as much or far more on things that probably have far less potential for improving our professional and personal lives. One thing all coaches can help you with is making choices around what’s important to you. The first and most important choice you will have to make is whether having a coach is important to you. If it is, then The Hive is here to help you.

Getting Started

To get started on finding a coach that’s right you need to create your profile and choose the coaching Hive that most closely resembles the type of coaching that is a fit for you.

About The Hive Professional Network

At The Hive, we are committed to providing people and organizations with the insights, coaching, and mentoring they need to become who they are meant to be so they can realize their true potential in work and in life. To do this we are building an ecosystem for coaches and those seeking coaches to find their perfect match through our proprietary matching algorithm, unique platform, and strategic partnerships.

Find your Hive

Are you looking for a Coach? Join The Hive to find a Coach to help you reach personal and professional objectives.

Are you a Coach? Join The Hive and get set to take your coaching business to a whole new level in 2023 and beyond.

Author

Larry Cooper is the Chief Strategy Officer and A/CTO at The Hive Professional Network.