Coaching is one of the most effective interventions for executive and professional development.
However not every coaching engagement works out for the best.
This is because there are two parts to this equation.
One is choosing the right coach. Click here to know how to choose the right coach for yourself.
The second part of the equation is how you engage in the coaching.
Here are some quick tips to get the most from your coaching engagement
- Start with trust: Trust that the coach will be able to support you. If the process of coaching is new to you, it is possible that you will find that it differs a lot from mentoring or training. This can take some getting used to. Till that happens trust your coach to know what they are doing.
- Come prepared: Coaching is a goal-focused intervention. Before hiring a coach Identify (at least broadly) what you want to get out of the coaching relationship. Before starting a session identify what goals and outcomes you want to focus on in the session. If there have been any actions to be completed by you from the previous sessions ensure they have been done. Journal your learnings and insights since the last session.
- Be open and honest: Most coaches work intuitively and every coaching intervention is customized to the needs and goals of each client. If however, you feel uncomfortable with the way you are progressing share your concerns with your coach on what is and is not working for you. More often than not your coach will modify the approach to accommodate your needs.
- Growth mindset: Any development needs a growth mindset. Be willing to allow your coach to challenge your thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions. Believe that your coach is coming with the intent of helping you grow.