| Some people are more aware than others of their | | | | psychology or organizational development, as well as |
| weaknesses. The best way to fortify genuine | | | | experience in real-world business dynamics. |
| self-worth and self-esteem is to work with a trained | | | | Having a coach assigned to you by your company |
| professional and examine self-beliefs. | | | | also poses a few problems. You probably won't get |
| Unfortunately, some who desire a coach are | | | | to choose your coach, and you will have to deal with |
| unprepared or unwilling to do the work. Coaching | | | | confidentiality issues. Because the organization-not |
| requires tremendous courage to face what other | | | | you-is the client, it can set the ground rules. You |
| people may be saying about you, as well as the | | | | can-and should-require a confidentiality agreement in |
| ability to treat their perceptions as valuable feedback. | | | | such cases. Ask for an up front agreement about |
| A coach can help you overcome inherent defense | | | | what your coach will tell your employer. |
| mechanisms that keep you in denial about your | | | | If you don't feel you can confide in your coach about |
| shortcomings. | | | | the real issues that concern you, you would be |
| Hiring your own coach creates some challenges: They | | | | better off hiring your own coach. |
| can be expensive, and you will have to research the | | | | How Does Coaching Take Place? |
| best one for your specific needs. | | | | All coaching includes a process of assessment, setting |
| Be aware that in selecting a coach based on your | | | | goals for change, a plan for achieving these goals, |
| personal feelings, you may not pick someone who | | | | accountability and a time line for working together |
| best fits your needs. In other words, you run the risk | | | | (anywhere from 3 months to a year or more). |
| of choosing someone you like, rather than someone | | | | Before retaining a coach, ask about methods used, |
| you need. | | | | the steps you will be required to complete, how |
| Hire your own coach if you have questions or | | | | much time is involved, whether coaching will take |
| concerns about remaining with your company or | | | | place in person or by phone, which coaching model is |
| personal development issues that are best left | | | | used, whether outside contact with peers will occur |
| confidential. If you decide to take the plunge, contact | | | | and the limits of confidentiality. Set review periods to |
| your human resources department and ask for | | | | evaluate progress and determine if coaching will |
| referrals. | | | | continue (and for how long). |
| You may also contact the local chapter of a national | | | | By virtue of the learning experience gained from |
| professional association, such as the American | | | | coaching, you acquire skills to continue learning in the |
| Society for Training and Development, International | | | | real world without a coach. Some studies suggest |
| Coach Federation, or other coach and mentor groups. | | | | coaching programs have high returns on |
| Be sure to specify that you want a executive career | | | | investments-as much as 500 to 800 percent. It |
| coach, rather than a personal or life coach. You want | | | | makes good business sense to invest in your |
| someone with experience in organizations and with | | | | leadership development. |
| executives. Pick a coach who has formal education in | | | | |