The value of the coaching process is subjective. It’s highly personalized around each client’s needs and is typically designed around their goals. The client sets the agenda, and the coach must step in to guide them through that course and on to actionable insights and measurable or observable outcomes.
Coaching is an investment in yourself. While it is focused on your needs, it’s up to you to do the work that is necessary for your growth. But coaching only works if you’re challenged and excited about your goals and the positive experiences and benefits on the horizon. If you are truly invested in making positive changes, there are at least four pivotal areas in which a coaching partnership can encourage you and help skyrocket your executive career.
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Innovation. Coaching begins by helping you gain a fresh perspective on your career capital. In other words, you will be helped to appreciate the ways in which your transactional results–employment experience, certifications, degrees, accomplishments, et cetera–can be communicated to leverage you up the ladder. More importantly, you can learn how your track record and relationships combine to enhance the capital you build along the way and can set your trajectory on fire. Take an innovative approach to understanding and illustrate your market value. Notable activities and proven results may come in the form of growing a valuable network, building a high impact team, cultivating a portfolio of successful projects, and communicating all of it in strategic ways. Developing a personal brand as a leader, and someone with an unrivaled work ethic are innovative ways to establish your worth.
Work with your coach to set metrics around experiential growth. Explore ways to demonstrate your unique combination of strengths, talents, and skills that when used to potential, drive you to achieve significant results. Brainstorming and documenting this progress with your coach will encourage your leader to examine your value through a different lens. As you innovate and provide metrics to prove it, your professional confidence, and career opportunities will skyrocket.
Information. Engage fully with your coach in crafting a strategy to launch your brand in the marketplace. This can happen through a soft, pragmatic and authentic information sharing habit. What this means is, rather than walk around with your CV pinned to your chest or brag about your strengths, inform others of your abilities by modeling and demonstrating them. Volunteer to lead projects, support other teams, ask for honest feedback, and discuss potential partnerships. Efforts to “show” rather than “tell result in attracting opportunities your way. Even if you’re not eyeing a career transition, attracting opportunity can help you advance your current income and leadership experience.
Inspiration. Coaching inspires personal growth, a positive outlook, motivation, and yes, it inspires others to take a keen interest in you. Also, a commitment to invest in your success. If your coaching was sponsored by your organization, you must demonstrate that the investment was worth it. Sharing your progress and accomplishments will inspire your leaders to have confidence in your abilities to succeed at even higher levels. Through coaching you will discover novel ways to encourage people to come alongside you and propel you on to further success. Building a cohesive team and a group of ambassadors is integral, but it only works when it’s mutually beneficial. Remember, others have their own goals and dreams and by supporting their success, you will ultimately inspire them to support yours.
Implementation. Nothing happens without action. Though it’s exciting to plan and dream, coaching only works if you act. Though the impetus of your action will be toward professional success, implementing a practice for balance in your personal and professional life should be part of your goals. You’ll never have balance (no one will), but you can have a healthy integration. You must know what works for you and ask for what you want, including expectations for your coach. Also be certain to only implement goals that align with your values, purpose and personal objectives.
While coaching will skyrocket your career if you put in the effort, you’ll want to start any coaching conversation with a discussion around happiness. The journey to the top is achievable, but the path to happiness should always be your ultimate objective.
Renwick Brutus' career has spanned roles as research economist, wealth manager, entrepreneur, consultant, executive coach and author. He holds an MBA from Fordham University and has been recognized for his outstanding achievement in sales and business leadership. Today, Renwick applies his unique blend of business strategy and interpersonal skills to help individuals flourish and companies grow. He owns multiple ventures, coaches business leaders and speaks on becoming irresistible and financially invincible. Contact him by email and LinkedIn.