What is a coach, and why do I need one?
As we move closer to the end of the year, now is a good time to think about goals and what you would like to achieve in the coming year.
There are many ways you can go about goal setting, have a vision board, journal but another way to set goals and to remain accountable is to have a coach.
You may think, “why do I need a coach?” isn’t that just some trendy new age job where people without solid qualifications dish out life advice? No, we aren’t talking about the term “Life Coaches” where there are no rigorous standards and complaints mechanisms in place, we are talking about hiring an accredited coach under the International Coaching Federation (ICF) standards. Hiring an accredited coach is a great way to improve self-efficacy, keep yourself accountable and engage in a partnership of self-discovery.
According to a global survey, the benefits of coaching don’t just impact the individual, they are felt within the entire organisation. Creating a coaching culture builds resilience and positively impacts the bottom line. Engaging a coach can have an ROI of “seven times the cost of engaging the coach” the survey found.
There are many different methods and models of coaching such as leadership coaching, transformational coaching, coaching for well-being and resilience, communications and conflict coaching and at Sideliens we do them all. There is really a buffet of options when it comes to coaching but what you need to factor in is your rapport with your coach and if you feel you are in a ‘safe space’ in their presence.
A coach must show what pioneering Psychologist Carl Rogers coined as ‘unconditional positive regard’ for their client. Coaching isn’t therapy and an accredited coach knows when to make a referral to a qualified mental health professional, otherwise they will be in breach of the ICF code of ethics and open themselves to being liable to operating out of their scope of professional expertise. Unconditional positive regard is when no matter what issue the client brings to the table in a session, or reveals about themselves, there is no judgement on behalf of the coach. They see and accept you for the complex, imperfect individual you are.
When looking for a coach it is important to gauge if you are a good fit. There is no point in engaging in a two-way relationship, if you do not have positive rapport with the coach. After all, the coach wants you to accomplish your goals and champion your successes.
Coaching isn’t advice either, coaching is about a qualified coaching professional, helping their client navigate issues, empower themselves for change and helping their client achieve their goals through evidence based practice.
The coaching relationship can be a short intervention, to a longer relationship depending on the complexity of client issues, relapse and if the client wishes to continue coaching beyond the accomplishment of proximal (near) goal setting.
At Sidelines, we are accredited coaches under the ICF and as our motto “right by your side” we are here to help you on your goal setting journey and we would be proud to champion your success.
For more information contact us
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