What is a Coach and Why are They Valuable?

Coaching is a word that is widely used in today’s everyday language.  With personal growth and development more widely discussed and valued, it makes sense that more and more people are turning to coaches to help them on their journey.

With a word so widely used, it may seem daunting and overwhelming to figure out if a “Coach” is right for you. Well, let’s break it down. For starters, what exactly is coaching? 

The International Coaching Federation (ICF), the world’s largest and most recognized organization of professionally trained coaches,  defines coaching as “partnering in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires a person to maximize their personal and professional potential.” 

I like to think of it as,  “You don’t know what you don’t know because you don’t know you don’t know it.” A coach partners with you in a creative and questioning way to help you unlock untapped sources from within yourself. They help you navigate to your next best answer for continued growth.

And there are many different kinds of coaches out there depending on what area you are needing support in. Health coaches help you with dietary choices, a fitness coach can help you in your fitness routine, a mindset coach can help you change the way you approach situations, and the list goes on and on.

I have personally been using a professional business coach since 2017. And after every conversation, I reflect and think “I had no idea that was where the conversation was going to go…” or “I had no idea that was a missing gap within my own career growth.”   My coach helps me open up and discover additional opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.

Now that we have run through what a coach is, let’s go through how you decide if you could benefit from a coach.

Here are some common signs that you may benefit from professional coaching:

• Feeling “stuck” or burnt-out

• Wanting to pursue a goal but not sure how to go about it

• Longing to become your best self.  You aspire to continue learning and growing.

• Wanting to pursue career advancement (new manager role, new supervisor, etc.)

• Transitioning into a new stage of life

• Looking to grow professionally

• Desiring to feel more confident

• Leaving behind past habits that sabotage future success

If you found yourself nodding along as you read through that list, then it might be time to consider making the investment into a coach. If so, let’s go through some things to look for in a coach.

1.      Ask about accreditation. 

If coaching seems like a widely used term… it’s because it is.  In many U.S. states, there are no current regulations around the use of the word “coach”.  What that means is anyone can go out today and call themselves a coach.  It is crucial that you ask the question of accreditation to ensure the person you are entrusting your future growth and professional development has formal certification and training.

2.     Ask about confidentiality. 

A coach is someone you should feel a deep level of trust, transparency, and confidentiality with.  The time you have with your coach and the conversations had is between only yourself and them.  No information should be shared back to your organization to expose your conversation topic or details.  Make sure they have a formal agreement ensuring your conversation stays between the two of you. This is how growth, accountability, and action can happen… through transparent and trusting conversations!

3.     Ask for feedback ratings and reports. 

Many coaches have a rating system where they trend 4 out of 5 stars, or 9 out of 10.  These are all based on employee/client feedback after their sessions. Ask for their overall rating reports and testimonials.  This will show you how they are trending amongst other clients they are supporting.

4.    Test the waters. 

It is important that you feel comfortable and enjoy the relationship with your coach.  Every coach has a different style and abilities.  Make sure you are choosy when it comes to your coach and that you look forward to each conversation because of the relationship you share. If you don’t, keep searching.  The right one is out there ready to support you! Tip: Ask others for referrals. Some of the best coaches do minimal marketing due to their high demand and referrals.

Coaching is a powerful investment in furthering your personal or professional development. Want to learn more?  Reach out to me at krista@kfgcoaching and I will be happy to support you or find someone that can! 

Celebrating your success,

Krista Ryan