“Everybody needs a coach. Every famous athlete, every famous performer has somebody who is coach — somebody who can say ‘Is that what you really meant?’ and give them perspective. The one thing people are not really good at is seeing themselves as others see them. A coach really, really helps.”
CEO of Google Eric Schmidt
Thank you Eric Schmidt for giving our work some props! At our firm we provide executive coaching to leaders across all sorts of industries, and we still come across questions about what it is and why we think it’s so important. I am inspired by the breakthrough results that happen when we have a coach, a thinking partner, or a boss who pays attention and helps us to grow.
So for all of you out there wondering what the top five reasons are to get an external executive coach – here you are:
1.) Because a coach is all about YOUR performance. Their agenda is specifically helping you be your best and most successful self in the context of your organization.
2.) Because a coach is not your boss, and you don’t need to impress them. You can be honest when you have concerns without risking being perceived as not having the situation under control, you can let it all come out to be addressed, vented, and solved. Coaching conversations are confidential. Although progress against goals may be discussed with your boss or HR partner, your conversations are private and sacred.
3.) Because coaching creates “enforced reflection time”, where we stop, slow down, and think about what we’re doing. There are so few opportunities to take a larger view when we are in a corporate context – and it’s what we as leaders need the most!
4.) Because coaching encourages measuring and celebrating your achievements. It’s nice to have a witness to how great you are, and how much you’ve done. It’s also great to have someone to hold you to your word, and to help you stay accountable to meeting your goals.
5.) Because a coach looks for what you can’t see, and uses all they’ve got to help you meet and face challenges head on, developing your awareness, vision, confidence, competence, and strategic thinking.
It’s 2011 – and it’s high time you had someone in your corner!