The value of coaching
Coaching
Your values, visions, and beliefs can work against the goals you are trying to achieve. Together we can reframe these things, and discover where they might be misaligned and rectify what is working against you.
There are very specific areas of coaching, but what makes coaching valuable really lies in the process of uncovering and de-layering that leads to identifying the essence of the problem.
Curiosity
During the deep and focused listening, the curiosity arises of why? Why is it this way? What makes you think this? Where does it come from?
These questions (and many more) get you to stop and look at the ‘obvious’ with a fresh perspective.
This curiosity, free from judgement, helps us to re-evaluate our thinking. Deep questions that arise from deep listening can lead to our ‘aha’ moments.
It is these questions that can lead you from “Yes, I know I should probably be doing that.” to “Oh, now I understand what has been preventing me from taking action!”
Our ‘aha’ moments
This is when a client says: “Oh, I didn’t think of it that way before!”
It is this shift in thinking that clears blockages. The new insight gained creates new energy and momentum to move forward.
Support
We all need more support. It helps you to go that extra mile. We all need someone who will cheer us on and encourage us.
In this world of increasing demands with decreasing connection and support, the benefits of a coaching relationship are becoming more valuable.
Sounding board
Almost every single person that I coach already ‘knows’ what they should be doing, so suggesting solutions is not useful.
At the most basic level, a coach plays the role of a sounding board. Think of it, when was the last time you felt truly listened to? How often in this world of constant talking and no silence do we get a chance to sit with a problem, and to think it through completely?
When do we have someone who is completely focused on listening to us, not just our words, but also listening at a deeper level to the meaning between the lines, listening to what is unspoken, and listening to the emotions in the midst of the silences?
One of the biggest gifts that a coach can offer you is deep listening.
Challenge
At times we tend to sink into our comfort zones, because it is comfortable there!
Coaching helps you to get out of your comfort zones, by taking small steps. We want to stretch and flex your skills and muscles, without creating such huge leaps that you end up in the panic zone. If you are not challenged from time to time, you don’t grow.
Accountability
Once we’ve arrived at a point where we know what the next step is, we need to ensure that life doesn’t get in the way, that you don’t lose focus on your goals.
As an accountability partner, a coach will help you to break down your goals into achievable pieces and support you in your progress. Accountability partners increase your likelihood of success.