Summary: Hiring a coach is a significant investment in your personal and professional development. But how do you know if your coach is truly helping you grow? Let’s explore essential signs that your coaching relationship is effective and helping you reach your goals.
Dear Dr Sylvia,
I want to congratulate you on being named in the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Coaching for 2024 by Thinkers 360.
You just keep making a difference.
For example, in my personal situation you helped me make the decision to leave a very toxic environment where there was never acknowledgment of hard work. Only told “do more, do better” all the time.
While I worked 10 to 12 hours a day to please my boss and her right hand COO, I was constantly told my results were “almost good enough!”
You helped me see I was still looking for acceptance that was lacking during my school years. I was a student in a very prestigious private school and only got in because of family connections.
I was a good student although many there were way better. Therefore, I would constantly look, as you say, to “Feed the Hungry Ghost” inside me yearning for appreciation.
Feeding the Hungry Ghost: never get satisfaction and continue to crave what is missing in your life
Once I could see the connection with school and my present work environment I was in a position to make a healthy choice.
I left the toxic “never good enough” environment and now have a position on an executive team that gives great feedback without making anyone feel awful!
Your influence to help me “connect the dots” of life happenings and not stay stuck in outdated, ingrained behavior patterns has been a real eye-opener.
I now can see how the past, present and future are connected. The book “Don’t Bring It To Work” helped when I did my Sankofa Map. Everyone should do this!
Now, that I am in a healthy position as a leader i would like a list of what to tell my direct reports to look for in a coach. It changed my life and I know it can change theirs for the better too.
Signed,
Forever Grateful
Coaching give the way OUT of ingrained behavior patterns that keep you struck in old ways of responding
Dear Forever Grateful,
Thank you for the acknowledgement. You have been a joy to work with and I am glad you finally made the choice to move past reliving your tense school years by choosing a similar work setting where you could never feel good enough.
I call it the way OUT. First you OBSERVE the pattern, then you do some self awareness work to UNDERSTAND where it started, and then you are able to TRANSFORM the pattern to have a healthy outcome.
Here is a list of what to look for in a coach.
Set Clear, Achievable Goals
A good coach will help you establish clear, measurable goals from the beginning. I
f your coach regularly revisits these goals and tracks your progress, it’s a sign of a productive coaching relationship. At the core of coaching is the desire for positive change leading to effective personal growth.
Expect Regular Feedback and Constructive Criticism
Constructive criticism is essential for growth. If your coach provides actionable feedback and helps you overcome challenges, you’re likely on the right path.
Require Accountability and Consistent Follow-Up
A coach who holds you accountable for your actions and follows up on your commitments is crucial for sustained growth.
Growth tracking is a way to ensure that you do not play “let’s pretend” and end up defending your old ways of responding.
Improve Self-Awareness with looking at your life from birth on to see where you derailed success
One of the most valuable outcomes of coaching is increased self-awareness. If you’re gaining new insights about yourself and your behavior, your coach is likely effective.
We know that emotional intelligence is vital for leadership success. Gain the skills of effective communication and best practices for collaboration.
Track Visible Changes in Behavior and Performance
Noticeable improvements in your behavior, decision-making, or professional performance are strong indicators that your coach is helping you grow.
Ask family members or friends what behavior changes they observe in the way you communicate with them
Feel More Confident and Empowered as You Develop
A successful coaching relationship should leave you feeling more confident and empowered to tackle challenges on your own.
Often as you feel more confident it will translate to more empowered direct reports. Communication flows more easily and freely.
Build Resilience and Adaptability
If you’re developing stronger coping mechanisms and becoming more adaptable in the face of adversity, it’s a sign that your coach is contributing to your growth.
Expand Your Network and Opportunities
A good coach will help you expand your network and open up new opportunities, which are essential for personal and professional development.
As you grow you will meet people who gravitate to your energy and you may be surprised and delighted by the opportunities that arise.
Long-Term Success and Sustainability
The ultimate test of a coach’s effectiveness is your long-term success. If you continue to thrive even after the coaching relationship ends, it’s a clear sign of a successful partnership.
In conclusion, evaluating the effectiveness of your coach is crucial for your growth journey. By keeping an eye on these indicators, you can ensure that your coaching relationship is helping you achieve your goals and fostering continuous personal development.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS. If you’re unsure whether your coach is helping you grow, consider these key indicators. Ready to take your development to the next level? Explore our STRESS BUSTERS program to see how we can help you achieve sustainable growth.
