In simple terms, coaching bridges the gap between where you are now and where you’d like to be in the future.
Coaching isn’t always easy. It can often be hard to examine your patterns of behaviour and understand how you react to certain situations and why. But the process is valuable because it helps you become more self-aware, to move past those things that block you and really start to progress and develop.
I have a straightforward, yet effective approach to coaching. It’s based around ‘gap analysis’– you look at where you are now, visualise where you’d like to be in the future and identify what resources you need in order to achieve your goals.
We take the following steps together, but they’re not set in stone.
Coaching is a fluid process – we may move backwards and forwards, but ultimately the aim is to help you to meet and challenge your fears, and go beyond your comfort zone.
1. Identify what you’d like to improve or overcome:
Would you like to build confidence? Increase your self-esteem? Get a better work/life balance, or understand how anxiety holds you back? What is it you’d particularly like to change?
2. Look at where you are now…
We examine the patterns of behaviour that keep you locked in a situation you may not be happy with. Through thought-provoking conversation, questions and feedback, we’ll explore how you feel now and what you’d like to change.
We’ll acknowledge your strengths and capabilities, your talents and skills to see how you can move on and develop.
3. … and where you’d like to be
This isn’t always an easy question. Sometimes we know more about what we don’t want than what we do – but this discussion can also be useful because it helps us narrow down the things you’d like to achieve, to create a real sense of purpose and meaning. We’ll explore your opportunities for the future.
4. What’s the gap between the two?
There may be a sizeable gap between where you are now and where you’d like to be in the future? How big is it? Can you imagine closing it and how long will it take?
5. How can we bridge that gap?
Throughout the programme, we’ll explore your options for getting where you’d like to be and what resources, additional knowledge or processes you’ll need. Can others help?
We’ll examine how you’ve dealt with situations in the past – if something has previously worked well, it could help you successfully move forward now.
The coaching process helps you design solutions for yourself, then initiate your next actions. It encourages awareness, responsibility and proactive behaviour, making many clients feel motivated and energised.
Often coaching gives us the springboard we need to progress personally, professionally or both. It can be a challenge – but it’s an exciting one.
If you like to find out more, then contact me for an initial 30 minute, no obligation call.