Are You Ready To Be Coached

You have heard much about coaching and may wonder if it will work for you. Or maybe your manager would like you to have a coach to grow into a different position. 

The Institute of Coaching cites that over 70% of individuals who receive coaching benefit from improved work performance, relationships, and more effective communication skills. 

According to 2021 research from Sounding Board Inc. and Chief Learning Officer,

• 67% said leadership coaching increased employee engagement and satisfaction.
• 60% said it improved employees’ perceptions of the quality of leadership.
• 54% said it improved leadership bench strength.
• 50% said it improved productivity.
• 44% said leadership coaching improved the quality of work

While organizations and individuals can see the value and importance of using a coach, how should you prepare to be coached to ensure you can achieve the value? We have to ask the question, can anyone be coached? The answer is that they are open and ready to be coached.

Here are a few steps that leaders can take to prepare to be coached effectively:

• Open Mindset: Leaders should approach coaching with an open and receptive mindset. They should be willing to explore new perspectives, challenge their existing beliefs, and be open to change and growth.
• Clear Objectives: Leaders should have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve through coaching. Whether it’s improving specific skills, addressing challenges, or achieving personal and professional goals, having clear objectives will help guide the coaching process.
• Self-Reflection: Before coaching, leaders should take time to reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, values, and areas they want to improve. Self-awareness is crucial for effective coaching, as it helps leaders identify areas that need development.
• Willingness to Receive Feedback: Leaders should be open to receiving constructive feedback and criticism. This requires a level of humility and a willingness to acknowledge areas where improvement is needed.
• Commitment and Accountability: Coaching requires effort and commitment. Leaders should be ready to invest time and energy in the coaching process and hold themselves accountable for taking actions and making changes based on the insights gained from coaching sessions.
• Trust in the Coach: Building a trusting relationship with the coach is important. Leaders should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations with the coach, knowing that the information shared will be treated confidentially and used to support their development.
• Active Participation: Leaders should actively participate in coaching sessions. This includes asking questions, seeking clarifications, and engaging in discussions. Actively engaging in the process enhances the effectiveness of coaching.
• Open Communication: Effective communication with the coach is essential. Leaders should communicate their expectations, concerns, and progress honestly. This helps the coach tailor the coaching process to the leader’s needs.
• Patience and Perseverance: Personal and professional growth takes time. Leaders should be patient and persevere through challenges and setbacks. Real change may require consistent effort over an extended period.
• Application of Insights: The actual value of coaching lies in applying the insights gained to real-world situations. Leaders should take the lessons learned in coaching sessions and implement them in their day-to-day activities.
• Supportive Environment: Leaders should have the support of their organization in their coaching journey. This could include allocating time for coaching sessions, providing resources for development, and creating an environment that encourages continuous improvement.
• Setting Realistic Expectations: While coaching can lead to significant growth, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Change doesn’t happen overnight; leaders should understand that progress may be gradual.

Remember, coaching is a collaborative process between the leader and the coach. Both parties contribute to its success. By preparing yourself with the right mindset and commitment, you can make the most of your coaching experience and drive meaningful development and improvement.

To learn more about how coaching can help you and your organization, contact us at info@thehofstettergroup.com.

Leave a comment and let us know how you prepare to be coached.