From time to time, people ask me: what kind of coach are you? Aren’t you a life coach?
For a giggle, sometimes I will ask what they think coaching looks like.
It made me realize that some people’s only experience of a coach is a sports coach. They imagine a guy (yes, often a man) in a cap blowing a whistle, commanding fifty extra pushups or shouting blow by blow what the next play is going to be.
Or something like that… (i’m more of a formula1 gal these days.)
So let me set the record straight. After leaving behind my 20 years+ in tech, I retrained as an executive coach. I became certified by the International Coaching Federation. I formed Time Is Precious, LLC and together with some partner coaches, I offer leadership coaching.
Leadership coaching - as it says on the can - is for leaders. Leaders in all flavors: aspiring leaders, managers, managers of managers, senior executives etc.
It typically involves regular coaching sessions, where the coach and the leader engage in deep conversations, reflection, and action planning.
It may involve various coaching models, assessments, and tools tailored to the leader's needs.
It can be one-on-one or through a group program.
The coach will use powerful questions and as a result, support the client in gaining clarity, more self-awareness, and in co-creating a set of practical steps to move forward.
It looks very different from what you see on Ted Lasso!
Clients may be looking for support in:
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: their ability to communicate effectively and with confidence, build rapport, develop executive presence and inspire others.
Strategic Thinking: developing a long-term vision, setting goals, and making strategic decisions.
Time Management and Productivity: Improving time management skills and prioritization to increase productivity and reduce the chance of burnout.
Conflict Resolution: Building skills to handle conflicts constructively and foster a positive work environment.
Change Management: Assisting leaders in leading and managing organizational change effectively.
One last, and important distinction: it is not therapy.
Although we are often the product of our past, and our past can inform habits that show up in our professional lives as well as personal, it is not for the coach to unpack events or trauma.
It is for the coach to co-create a path forward with their client.
If you’d like to learn more about coaching for your or someone in your organization, DM me or find some time on my calendar.
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