Coaching is the art of supporting leaders to achieve their goals by evoking awareness, asking thought provoking questions to activate purposeful action and professional and personal growth. A coach is your non judgemental thinking partner, your sense-maker, your provocateur and champion. 

The International Coaching Federation defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to be their best personal and professional selves. It’s a process that often reveals hidden sources of imagination, productivity, and leadership — things you may not even know you have. 

At its heart, coaching is a confidential partnership to help you grow. A good coach creates a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore solutions, push past limitations, and hold yourself accountable. They’re not here to dwell on mistakes or missteps but to amplify your strengths and abilities and help you be your best self.  

It’s not about fixing what’s wrong — it’s about making what’s good, better. Whether it’s your skills, performance, or clarity, a coach is your partner for success. 

Keep reading on the CFI website:

https://coachingfederation.org/guide-to-experiencing-coaching-for-individuals/

At their core, a coach is your growth partner. Their number one priority is simple: to serve you, the client. A coach holds you accountable, provides proven tools for success, and creates an environment where your potential can flourish. 

Here’s how they do it: 

They help you uncover and clarify your goals. 

• They align your actions with your aspirations. 

• They create a safe space for you to explore and discover yourself. 

Think of your coach as both a guide and a mirror — helping you see the path ahead more clearly while reflecting your own strengths and potential back to you. 

(source: ICF website)

Coaching is a partnership, simple as that. You and your coach will work together to create an agreement that sets the foundation for your work together. This agreement will cover everything from roles and responsibilities to meeting schedules and communication preferences.

A coaching relationship includes:

• Collaboration: You and your coach are a team working towards your success.

• Customization: Your coaching journey is designed to fit your goals, needs, and preferences.

• Commitment: Communication and mutual accountability are key to success.

Coaching is different from mentoring, consulting, or therapy. It’s a relationship focused entirely on helping you prepare for your personal and professional growth.

Coaching is a partnership, simple as that. You and your coach will work together to create an agreement that sets the foundation for your work together. This agreement will cover everything from roles and responsibilities to meeting schedules and communication preferences.

A coaching relationship includes:

• Collaboration: You and your coach are a team working towards your success.

• Customization: Your coaching journey is designed to fit your goals, needs, and preferences.

• Commitment: Communication and mutual accountability are key to success.

Coaching is different from mentoring, consulting, or therapy. It’s a relationship focused entirely on helping you prepare for your personal and professional growth.

(source: ICF website)

• Work through challenges and issues

• Get unstuck at work 

• Transition to new roles

• Elevate and strengthen leadership skills and strengths

• Clarify core values and align to their professional and personal life

• Develop strategies to work with conflict and challenge

• Improve decision making skills

• Overcome imposter syndrome 

• Address lack of  motivation or engagement at work

• Explore roadblocks and barriers to success

• Replace the inner critic with your inner mentor

Do you yearn for a safe, confidential, trusting space where you receive open,  honest feedback and explore possibilities ?  Do you find value in reflection,  get pumped about personal learning and growth? Executive coaching may be a perfect fit for you. But don’t take just my word for it. 

Reach out to at least three coaches and request a  complimentary or discovery coaching call to experience the coaching process and each coach’s style.

Joanne offers coaching packages of 3, 6 and 9 months. Clients have to be ready to make a commitment to their own growth to make breakthroughs. Sustainable change takes accountability,  time and practice. Many clients sign up to extend their coaching engagement capitalizing on the momentum and progress achieved.

Think of it this way: when you invest in coaching, you’re not just purchasing a service- you're buying tools and strategies that can have a ripple effect across your whole personal and professional life. 

Deciding to improve your personal and professional life is a big deal and working with a coach can help you make it happen. Is it time to work with a coach?  

Ask yourself: 

• Are you feeling stuck at a crossroads in your life or career? 

• Have you lost motivation for your goals?  

• Do you feel like you’re stagnating or slipping backward?  

• Is self-doubt holding you back?  

If you answered “yes” to any of these, it might be the perfect time to partner with a coach to help you get refocused, realigned, and back on track.