9 Benefits of Coaching

Coaching is one of those obscure words that seem to have little context outside the athletic community. Though it is no longer reserved just for sports teams, and the idea of hiring a coach is heard more commonly, most people still don’t understand the role of a life or leadership coach.

I hope to shed some light on that in this article while also highlighting the value you can gain by investing in a coach.

The term coach was originally used to describe a mode of transportation, first for a horse-drawn carriage and then later for the railway cars used for day travel when trains were first introduced. The idea was that it was a means of getting people from one place to another.

This is still the essence of what coaching is today. Whether it is in relation to a basketball team or in relation to life in general, coaching is the process of moving people from where they are to where they want to be.

I know it seems simple enough but the fact is it’s often hard for people, especially leaders, to step back from their life long enough to see where they may need to make some changes.

This is where the support of a coach comes into play. A coach can often see what you cannot and can provide the support you need to keep moving forward.

Here are 9 benefits of coaching for the woman leader:

Increased clarity around what you really want

Life unfolds either by design or by default. Coaching helps make sure the life you are living is the life you want to be living. It’s getting crystal clear about what you really want and then taking action to get there.

Increase in confidence

When you know who you are and how you are wired, you are automatically more confident. Coaching can help remind you of your strengths so you can play to them more effectively while shoring up the areas that are potential liabilities.

Accountability around goals

A powerful component of coaching is the accountability around reaching your goals. A goal without a plan is just a dream. Partnering with a coach can help make sure that you create and execute on the plan needed to make your dreams a reality.

Fresh perspective on your priorities

When was the last time you actually thought about your values or actually named them out loud? Coaching helps you identify your priorities and then supports you in making decisions that are based on what’s really important to you instead of what others think should be important to you.

Improved relationships

You know the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution in building healthy relationships. But sometimes it’s hard to remember those tools when things come up. Coaching can equip you to address things as they come up, in the moment, rather than speaking in general terms.

Enhanced work performance

This isn’t just about the mechanics of your job but about the experience you have as you engage at work. Coaching empowers you to get clear about the legacy you want to leave with your leadership. If leadership is influence then how do you want to leverage your influence in the workplace? Coaching helps you answer this question in light of your values and priorities.

Better life/work balance

Coaching helps you know your line for managing the responsibilities of work and the rest of your life and when you are risk for crossing that line. Work is important but can’t be allowed to take over your life nor can life be allowed to get in the way of you doing your work. This is about you learning how to bring the best parts of you to all areas of your life and work.

Increased ownership of your voice

You have something to say and the world needs to hear it. In a world that feels committed to silencing the voices of women, coaching helps you own your voice both inside and outside the workplace so you can have the kind of impact you really want to have.

Feeling celebrated and fully supported in your journey

You are a survivor and an achiever and you’re likely used to making it on your own. But you don’t have to go it alone. Through coaching you can discover the power that comes from being fully supported as you take your place in the world. You will stand taller and stronger for having invested in a coach.

This is by no means an exhaustive list but it is a good starting point to help you see the value of partnering with a coach. I hope you will seek one out today. I know it will make a difference for you.

Here’s to you rising into your greatness!

From my heart to yours,

In my own work as a life and leadership coach, I am committed to empowering women to shape their leadership within the framework of their life. If you would like to talk to see if we might be a good fit for each other, click here to schedule a complimentary call today.