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'Dedicated to developing potential'
At several times in life all of us need specific help and support to make changes.
This is when working with a career coach can play a critical part.
The primary role of a career coach is to act as a catalyst for transformation
and change in the working lives of their clients. Whether you are at a crossroads
of identity or purpose, or just wanting to enrich your current work experience by
shifting role or sector, a career coach will serve as a guide to the next step in
your professional development.
The coach helps a client determine what it is they most love to do by examining
their skills, talents, and interests and by exploring in depth
what fulfilment means for that client.
Often the conversations these days are about generating new meaning by revisiting
old values; addressing what has been neglected that is becoming intolerable;
deciding on future direction and options; assessing work-life balance; moving
beyond pretence to being real; leaving commitments or roles that are no longer
serving us.
The outcome of career coaching is often increased self-awareness,
clarity of focus, renewed enthusiasm and purpose in your working life.
Additionally you will be helped to create a realistic strategy or plan with
actions built in which move you forward and your coach will hold you
accountable to ensure you achieve your objectives.
Some tips to help
you choose your career coach
If you have already decided to look for a coach to help you switch careers or
improve you current one that's a great first step. The kind of step you are making cannot be
read about or learned in a seminar. There is no substitute for personal contact with
an experienced career coach who can save you lots of time and heartache!
So how do you choose the right coach?
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Do your homework and select three you want to talk to.
Remember there is no substitute for live contact when choosing your coach.
After all, whomever you choose, it's important to check your levels of rapport and understanding.
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Look out for appropriate coaching credentials and wide life experience.
Even if a coach is an experienced businessperson it is not a given that the
individual has the specific skill set that coaching requires. A coach needs training to
do this well - having a coaching credential like 'Professional Certified Coach' (PCC)
indicates that your coach has undertaken the necessary training and been assessed on their
use of core coaching competencies both when working 'live' and in a written examination.
Ask the coach how many hours of coaching they have accrued - the higher the better!
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Let your instincts guide you to make the right decision.
Listen not only with your head but your heart and soul as well. The rewards will
be well worth it over the long run.
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Once you have decided on your coach, do what's required to begin the coaching relationship
as soon as possible - don't put off getting started!
It is a relationship unlike any other you will have and it needs your attention to make it
what you want it to be from the outset. A good career coach will ask you for some specific
information regarding your objectives and your current thoughts about your situation prior
to your first coaching session. There will then often be some pre-work for you to do to get
you started on the right track so allow time for this.
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Career transition is a personal journey for most individuals.
It is not a process that lends itself to being 'packaged' or delivered in a group situation.
Do not be tempted to take shortcuts that look financially attractive but ultimately can leave
you feeling that your own needs have not been met. Individual attention from your own coach is
the best way to move you toward the result(s) you are seeking in your career.
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No coach can predict how long your career transition will take.
This is the truthful answer but not one you want to hear! So be wary of any promises or
guarantees made by coaches who claim to be able to work wonders in a particular timescale.
The result you get will be a combination of how much work you do, how committed you are to the
process and your own unique blend of circumstances.
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Do not over rely on any assessment tools a coach may offer you.
A seasoned coach will know which tools to use and when for your benefit. Assessments
are just one of the tools available and at best inform the picture of who you are by about 5%-10%.
Far more important is your coach's ability to help you navigate the road ahead based on their
understanding of their own transitions and where you are on yours - now that constitutes good
career coaching!
Finally, having some career coaching is an investment you are making in your future.
What better way to get some support on life's highway? Good luck!
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