Why coaching?
Because it works.
Because it makes a genuine, tangible difference to how people perform at work. While many organisations are embracing the idea of executive coaching for their top level managers, (and spending an estimated $2 billion a year on it*), some of you are not yet convinced.
These are some of the many excuses I hear:
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It’s expensive!
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I haven’t got time!
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I’m not sure what I’ll get out of it.
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What if I don’t like it?
OK...think about the time, money and effort it has taken to get you to where you are in your career today. The late nights, the exams, the fees, the studying. Why shouldn’t you be putting even a fraction of that time, money, and effort into developing it from here on in? Think of it as CPD that is entirely focused on you. You. Your goals. Your mindset. Your obstacles. Your success. Invest in it financially and emotionally and you’ll be amazed at what you can continue to achieve. It will reap rewards, I’ve seen it. Coaching will focus on you as a whole person and so you will see knock on effects in other areas of your life too.
No time? The time spent with a good coach will make the rest of your week far more focussed, productive and satisfying. There are 168 hours in a week. We might meet for one, maybe two of those a week, a fortnight or even monthly. A lack of time is not a proper excuse.
Organisations who publically state that they use coaching include Microsoft, Logica, the Foreign Office, Santander, Aviva, eBay, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Glaxosmithkline. If it’s good enough for them.... Coaching is a creative process and you have to work hard at it. It’s challenging but also hugely rewarding if you commit to it. Basically you’ll get out of it what you put in.
If you don’t like coaching or if you think you’ve got as much out of it as you’re going to, then stop! Simple!
Coaching just might be the most significant thing you do to progress your career. You have nothing at all to lose by finding out.
No more excuses.
*PWC, 2016 ICF Global Coaching Study