Career Development Blog

 

Coaching is not always easy for everyone, especially when it is mandated by the boss.  They feel it is a penality.

 

I would recommend the following for those who are skeptical about coaching:

 

1) Be very honest as to why you are getting involved with coaching, especially if you are required to go. If you are not honest, then it may be very hard to "hear" or accept what is being talked about in the coaching sessions.

 

2) Be clear about the expectations for improvement in the coaching sessions. Be clear about what you are expected to improve on in caoching. If possible, list out the specific things that need to be worked on in the coaching sessions.

 

3) Partner, collaborate and have a "say" with the coaching process. Determine some things or areas you wish to improve on yourself. If you get  involved in the coaching process, then it won't seem so punative.

 

4) Definitely look at all the positive things that you can learn from in coaching. Coaching can transend to both work life and personal life. Coaching is a very positive thing and you can truly benefit from it. Many executives around the country are now having executive coaches. It is not an unusual thing in today's business climate. 

 

5) Work on 2 or 3 things for improvement. Even if there are 15 areas you believe you need to improve on, realistically a person can truly only improve a few things at first!  

 

6) Coaching contract. Have contract between your boss and write down a contract on what you both plan to do (dates, times for improvement, checking in on eachother, clear expecations for improvement).  This holds everyone accountable.

 

7) Have the boss check in on you on a regular basis! Hold the boss accountable too!

 

8) Lastly, this has to be confidential, so the coaching has to be confidential and supportive of you!.  Make sure just (HR), you and your boss are the only ones who knows you are in a coaching mode. (Unless you are comfortable telling others you are getting coaching).