Do you need to see more clearly?

One evening I was having a quite drink when I was introduced to a friend’s colleague. As some point in the conversation he asked what I did for a living. So I told him briefly that I coached individuals and business leaders.
His reply was swift and dismissive: “I cannot see how you make a living doing that. I own my own business and I cannot see what coaching would do for me”.
I smiled and congratulated him on his success. I decided that a long conversation about the merits of coaching could wait for another day. Sometimes even coaches need a break. However, it reminded me how often the people who may benefit most for coaching react in a defensive manner when coaching is mentioned. Of course he may have achieved his goals and was now content. Some how, I doubt that was the case.
If the time and the place had been conducive for a chat I would have said that coaching helps develop self-awareness and confidence. My clients often remark that they see significant improvements in the following areas of their live:
Learn to solve own problems
Improve managerial and interpersonal skills
Have better relationships with colleagues
Learn how to identify and act on development needs
Have greater confidence
Become more effective, assertive in dealing with people
Have a positive impact on performance
Ability to see new perspectives
Acquire new skills and abilities
Develop greater adaptability to change
Improve work-life balance
Reduce stress levels
Generally more contented
Feel that their lives are moving forward positively.

If my friend’s colleague had the chance to reflect on the above check list and feel able to answer the questions in a safe environment I would what he would have said?
Try it for yourself; you might be surprised at the answers.

When did you last pause to think about what you want?

Are you facing up to a major career change in your life?

Every so often we're hit by the urge to change jobs and for a lot of people since the global economic downturn, enforced job change. Particularly in the case of redundancy the future may look very frightening. This is specially if you have been in the same role and/or company for some time. I do not need to rehearse the reasons for this, as you will know them well.
The solution to this problem is manageable although still hard work. The solution is to remember to break the problem down into manageable sections.

Do you/can you replicate your old job?

What do you really want to do?

Is this an opportunity to consider if you are happy with your life style?

What are your strengths, capabilities and assets?

What are your transferable skills?

How long will your severance money last?

Look at your budget. Is there a way to cut back and take the pressure off, or allocate some funds to a special project?

Think about what may be standing in your way of achieving your chosen path. What would it take to remove those barriers? It can be a very exciting time when you approach job change in an enlightened way. The secret to success is to explore a range of options. To give yourself the time and space to think about your core values and aspirations. If there were no barriers, what would you be doing in six months time? When you take the time to dream, you will discover that you are qualified for many more opportunities than your CV/resume or your current mind set would allow you to believe.
If you would like a confidential no cost consultation about how one t0 one coaching can help your career or personal growth – call 07790126264 or email paul.ainscough@fiducia.org.uk.

If you would just like to comment on the post follow the link.