6 Tell-tale Signs Now is the Time to Engage a Coach
Written by Angela Sabin Monday 12 June 20171. Do You Have Any Time to Think?
How many hours do you set aside to reflect, think and plan? If it’s a constant battle to conquer your to do list, it’s time for coaching. Coaching provides that critical confidential space for thinking…as opposed to doing. Don’t book a coach if you want to list complaints – a good coach helps you determine what’s in your control and decide what is best for you.
2. Do You Find Yourself Thinking “i Should….or I Wish….”?
‘Shoulds’ may be labels for changes your conscious mind accepts, yet somehow, you keep reverting to your current pattern of thinking or behaviour. ‘Wishes’ are often wistful expressions of goals you have yet to tackle. A good coach will enable you to transform “I should” into “I am” and grant your own wishes. Don’t book a coach unless you are open to being challenged about thinking patterns that might unconsciously be barriers to your dreams.
3. Are You Stuck at a Crossroads?
If there’s an imminent choice you need to make, or even a choice you’ve put off for a while, it’s a good idea to get a coach. These personal junctions can unfold at any time during a career. There are stages where crossroads typically appear such as timing of families and career moves, or considering your legacy. Others you might consult will inevitably have their own agenda – a coach will focus on your agenda.
Don’t book a coach if you are looking for advice – a good coach won’t tell you which path to follow – rather they’ll help you be your own best advisor.
4. Is It Time to Step Up to a More Strategic Role?
Whilst it is easy for us, intellectually, to grasp how different managerial levels map to levels of strategy, what often happens is that managers continue to devote time and effort to tactics. The challenge becomes to let go of things we are good at to devote time to new areas that take us away from our ‘comfort zone’. Coaching supports you tackle dilemmas in making any shift.
Coaching is a conversation with a purpose; don’t book a coach if the time isn’t right for you to act.
5. Been Overlooked for a Key Project or Role?
It’s clear that where people are equally skilled it’s their image and profile that determines whether they land that promotion or project. Coaching provides that confidential thinking space to help ambitious managers craft their image and raise their profile. I can’t tell you how many clients I have worked with who land that dream role within months.
Don’t book a coach if you feel angry that networking and influencing your stakeholders should even count.
6. Already at the Top of Your Game, Still Want Even Better Results?
Want to develop your career further but have little time for further training? Of the ‘training’ options available none except coaching are sufficiently tailored to make the best use of your precious time.
Six things we learned at CMI Communities Live, Middlesbrough
The first CMI Communities Live event in the UK brought together both leaders and learners at Teesside University
Alight here for better management: degree apprenticeships at Transport for London
Two TfL management degree apprentices on finding the best route into a satisfying career…
Why James became a Chartered Manager after 24 years in the army
In the army, James Bowman undertook management qualifications to ensure he had skills that would transfer to civilian life
Dr Hiba Khan CMgr FCMI, CMI Apprentice of the Year 2024
Obstetrics and gynaecology doctor and chief revenue officer Hiba embarked on a Senior Leader Apprenticeship in April 2022
Article
Our extensive range of articles are designed to keep you in the loop with all the latest management and leadership best practice, research and news.
Members See More
CMI Members have access to thousands of online learning and CPD resources. Learn more about our membership benefits
Join The Community
CMI offers a variety of flexible membership solutions, tailored to your needs. Find out more and get involved in the CMI community today.