About Coaching Coaching as applied to life or business is a relatively new concept in the UK
although it is well established in the US. What
does a coach actually do? One answer comes from
Tom Landry who was the chief coach of the Dallas
Cowboys football team in the ‘70’s
and '80’s who said, “A coach is someone
who gets you to do whatever you do not want to
do so you can do what you really want to do".
Life coaches relate this maxim to all areas of
a persons life.
It is becoming popular because people often want to make significant changes
in their lives but are unsure how to go about it. This often stops any further
progress. However with two people focussing on one person's issues progress is
much faster and more effective.
Coaching is not like therapy or counselling since you are generally working on
practical issues rather than deep seated emotional ones. While therapy and counselling
are undoubtedly suitable for some, others want the kind of practical advice and
skills that enables them to change their own lives by themselves.
People hire coaches in order to:
• Get a new job or decide on a new career.
• Get their lives back into balance.
• Improve their income or deal with a financial crisis.
• Set up systems for personal organisation.
• Live a more healthy lifestyle.
• Find a new relationship.
• Start or build up a business.
• Build their management and communication skills.
Coaching helps you:
• Set better goals and reach them.
• Do more than you would on your own.
• Focus yourself to produce results more quickly.
• Have insight and a fresh perspective when you are stuck or doubt yourself.
• Deal with all aspects of your life - personal, family, relationships,
fun and career.
• Develop your strengths and confidence so you continue to do even better
after coaching (rather than becoming dependent).
How coaching works
Some coaches meet face-to-face, for the first session at least, and sometimes
thereafter. Increasingly, however, coaches are conducting most of their work
over the phone or email. Typically, you'll speak weekly for half an hour, and
your coach will usually agree 'homework' with you - three or four actions to
take you towards your current goals. |
