Get the most from your Coach

Career coaching can be a valuable resource for individuals seeking guidance and support in their professional lives. However it is not a passive exercise. To make the most of your career coaching sessions you will need to be prepared.  Here is my preparation guide:

1. Set Clear Goals: Before starting your career coaching sessions, take some time to reflect on your career aspirations and what you hope to achieve through coaching. Set clear and specific goals that you want to work towards with your coach. If you are unsure about your goals then think about your current challenges and what success would look like.  From here I can help you determine your goals. This will help to ensure we are focused on what you want to accomplish.

2. Be Open and Honest: To benefit fully from career coaching, it is essential to be open and honest with your coach. Share your challenges, concerns, and aspirations without holding back. The more your coach knows about your situation, the better they can provide guidance and support tailored to your needs.

3. Actively Participate: Be an active participant during your coaching sessions. Take the initiative to ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in discussions. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered and actively contribute to your own growth and development.

4. Embrace Feedback: Feedback is a crucial component of career coaching. Your coach will provide insights and observations to help you identify areas for improvement and capitalise on your strengths. Embrace feedback with an open mind and use it as an opportunity to see things differently or from a different perspective, rather than criticism.

5. Take Ownership of Your Development: While your career coach is there to guide and support you, it is ultimately up to you to take ownership of your own career development. Actively apply the strategies, techniques, and advice provided by your coach outside of the coaching sessions. Only by implementing what you learn will you make progress towards your goals.

6. Stay Committed: Consistency and commitment are key to getting the most out of your career coaching sessions. Attend sessions regularly, complete any assigned tasks or exercises, and stay engaged in the coaching process. Remember that long term change is about creating new habits which takes time (at least 90 days apparently). The more committed you are, the greater the impact coaching can have.

7. Practice Self-Reflection: In addition to your coaching sessions, spend time reflecting on your experiences, strengths, and areas for growth. Self-reflection can help you gain clarity, identify patterns, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your career goals. What you do between coaching sessions is as important (if not more) than the sessions themselves.

8. Celebrate Successes: As you make progress towards your career goals, take the time to notice and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Acknowledge and appreciate the steps you are making and the milestones you achieve along the way. Celebrating but most importantly noticing your successes can boost your motivation and confidence, making you more likely to continue working towards your goals.

Remember, career coaching is a collaborative process, and the success of your sessions depends on your active participation and commitment. By following these guidelines, you will maximise the benefits of career coaching and make significant strides in your personal and professional growth and development.