I Think I'm Ready for a Coach...

Maybe you've heard the great results other people are getting by working with a leadership coach.

You think it might be time for you to up your game - really commit to your professional development at work by hiring a coach of your own.

But how do you really know you're ready?

You certainly want to be sure before you make the decision, both for the financial investment and the investment of your time.

And your coach wants you to be sure too.

In my experience, there are four important factors that determine success (defined as the attainment of desired coaching goal) in partnering with a coach.

A client who is going to enjoy a productive, fruitful relationship in coaching can answer 'Yes' to all four of these questions:

#1. "Yes, I have the motivation to change."

This isn't a chicken-or-egg situation (as in, do you need the motivation first or do you get the motivation by way of making a change?) - you likely won't be hiring a coach without the motivation to make the change that will be required of you in order to attain your goal.

The motivation to keep going. And the motivation to get started.

The answer to 'What are you ready to let go of?' can lead to an epiphany to determine readiness to start.

Or 'What are you ready to do differently?'

I find myself having this conversation often with parents inquiring about career-related coaching services for their recent grads. While hiring a coach for someone else is well-meaning, intrinsic motivation is the one piece that has to be inherent to the client.

The parent can't want the goal more than the kid does.

Defining 'your why' is critical at this step. Defining your way in terms of what will make the coaching experience a success for you. Write it down - a reminder of your 'why' when motivation wanes during the process, as it often can.

"#2. Yes, I will prioritize the time for coaching - both sessions and activities."

Notice I didn't say, "Yes, I have the time for coaching." Because it's likely you don't.

But you also know that you desire that change, that improvement... and you're willing to trade your precious time to get to your goal.

Your desire for change is directly related to how much you're willing to prioritize what's going to get you there.

Sounds basic, but unless this commitment is made and honored in your calendar, it's easy to lose sight of when the 'tyranny of the urgent' gets in your way. Very easily.

#3. "Yes, I will prioritize my energy towards attaining my goals."

Prioritizing energy? Yes...it's in finite supply. You'll want to be sure you have the energy to take that extra effort towards your goal, especially when the going gets tough (like in #2).

Do the activities you agree upon with your coach. Practice what you commit to practicing. And don't commit if you can't.

Again, I know it sounds simple.

Coaching results can happen quickly, and clients are usually really excited in the first few sessions. But then the work gets harder so it becomes tempting to shift priorities, and focus. The commitment to #3 can help you leverage that inertia from the start.

Utilizing a mantra during your time with a coach may help to spur you along, as well as reminding yourself of your 'why' in step #1.

#4. "Yes, I will set myself up for success with the above three."

What might get in your way that you can plan for? Scheduling out that prioritized time for coaching, including activities, and then holding that time sacred is a start.

Your coach can help you here: A coach is excellent at being an accountability partner - leverage his or her skill to help you if things might get off track.

Have the conversation upfront of what you may need from your coach if you veer off track.

What if it’s not time?

If you've read through the list and the answer is 'no' to any of these, it might not yet be time.

Or maybe that's your cue to delegate some of your responsibilities and reprioritize to take your own development to the top of the to-do list.

If you answered 'yes' to all four, let's go! Schedule time with me here to map out your professional development plan.

Want More Confidence at Work? 4 Ways to Know You're Ready to Hire a Leadership Coach