Coaching will help you to think outside the box, and soar

Coaches are rich in engaging people to see where the real story lies. FOTOSEARCH 

By THRITY ENGINEER-MBUTHIA

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Summary

• There are so many different specialisations within coaching, life coaching, wellness coaching, career coaching and even leadership coaching.
• Coaching starts with the assumption that all individuals are complete and are able to find answers for themselves.
• Volunteering for leadership positions in her church or youth group would help her get some experience.

Executive Coaching has been around since the 1980s but it has only recently gained popularity in Kenya. Often times, the term coaching is mixed up with sports coaching, where sports coaches help people participating in sports to achieve their greatest potential.

There are so many different specialisations within coaching, life coaching, wellness coaching, career coaching and even leadership coaching.

It is possible to see how coaching plays a role within organisations or businesses, equipping both business owners and employees with skills and ideas that allow them to transform their personal lives thereby impacting the business positively.

Coaching has been defined by the International Coach Federation as “partnering with clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential.”

Coaching starts with the assumption that all individuals are complete and are able to find answers for themselves.

Mary is a 28- year- old HR officer. Mary has always been ambitious and wants to eventually head an HR department. She has received feedback that she needs to develop her people management skills, leadership skills and strengthen her knowledge of the profession.

Now from this scenario it sounds obvious on what Mary needs to do but if she were to work on these three things, will she automatically get a director of HR position? Probably not right away. Coaching may help Mary realise that as much as these areas are critical, there may be other areas she also needs to work on to help her achieve her goal.

Volunteering for leadership positions in her church or youth group would help her get some experience. Taking up additional projects within the office may give her some exposure to senior leaders. Networking may be useful.

The interesting thing about coaching is that the coach never actually provides the solutions. By skillful use of powerful questions and listening deeply, the coach is able to assist the client see the way forward for themselves.

Mary doesn’t feel comfortable taking up leadership roles. What could be the reason for this? Perhaps Mary lacks self confidence. Or she fears responsibility. Or perhaps she, like so many of us, fears failure. This is where the real coaching begins, what experienced coaches call going deeper.

The coach can work with Mary to address any of these fears and help Mary transform her approach to leadership.