Life Coaching Certification Changes the Conversation

Rather than telling, a life coach asks questions. Consider this example:

Coach: How are you doing?

Client: Okay. I wish there was an easier way to coordinate everyone’s schedule.

Coach: How do you do it now?

Client: I call each person and check on possible dates.

Coach: What would you change?

Client: I wish I could talk to them all at once.

Coach: What are the options for that?

Client: I don’t know – this is what I am told to do.

Coach: If it worked better would everyone be okay with a change?

Client: I guess so.

Coach: What changes are possible?

Client: We could schedule the next one when everyone is together in the first place.

Coach: What else?

Client: I could email everyone simultaneously.

Coach: What else?

Client: I could have a calendar everyone can access.

Coach: What are you going to do?

Client: I am going to suggest when they are together that we schedule the next time then or that we have a calendar everyone can access. I think they will go for it and if they don’t I will ask if I can email everyone instead of calling.

Coach: Seems like you really know your stuff – good idea.

Client: Thanks.

After life coaching certification, coaching really is this simple: instead of telling, ask.

Executive Coach Certification Applies on the Job

Do executive coaching skills enhance performance in jobs other than coaching?  The questions is really too easy – yes!  Skills from executive coach certification are applicable in all types of work. 

Gallup polls find that the number one reason people quit their job is their boss.  Business News published a study that indicated 84% of workers wanted to quit their job and find something different in 2011 – when the economy was struggling!  What are the reasons?  Studies show that the top skill deficiencies in the workplace are people and communication skills.  Top in the core competencies of an executive coach are people and communication skills.  Learning coaching skills does make a difference on the job. 

Consider this example:
To complete a project, an employee is waiting on something from a different department.  In the past, when they approached that department they became defensive and held up the project. 
Coaching skills include communication techniques so that you are able to listen effectively, ask questions, and use clear, respectful language that works. 
When the employee approaches the other department using coaching skills, they first consider their priorities and motivation. Next they take the time to ask questions about what is happening, and ask their process and timeline for delivery.  Changing the approach changes the outcome.

Executive coaching skills enhance communication and people skills resulting in productive interactions and enhanced results.

Career Coach Certification for Results

Have you ever gotten in to an elevator and pushed the button for the floor you are already on? Without thinking, I got on at the first floor, pushed “1” and waited. My friend said, “Aren’t we going to the fourth floor?” Amazing how much more effective it was when I pushed the right button! In our careers, often we focus on where we are, the problems, or on the confusing processes.

Consider this example: A professional decides to look for a different job. They easily describe what they do not want in their new position. They know their resume lacks polish. They are over-whelmed by the job search process. Finally, they get help from someone who has ICF-approved coach training. Their new career coach asks questions about what they do want so they fully explore their priorities. Then the career coach reviews their resume and asks probing questions for information to enhance the content. With their career coach the professional reviews online resources for job opportunities and then focuses on the most promising sites.

Just like finding a new job, coaching certification is about exploring what you do want and then intentionally moving towards making it happen. The reason for choosing career coach certification is to make a difference with clients.

Become a Business Coach for Business Leaders

Leaders have co-pilots.  Historically the co-pilots have been a spouse or significant other, a mentor, a close friend, a parent or sibling, a consultant, or, of course, a business coach.  Increasingly the business coach is more common as the ICF-approved coach training options and focus of the coaching certification process has been refined and enhanced.  Now it is expected that a great leader has a great coach.

What are the reasons that there is so much value in a business coach? 
Full consideration and exploration of the possibilities - the business coach asks questions, going further than the coachee would on their own.
Clarity and focus – the business coach probes for complete understanding and to determine priorities.
Goal setting – the business coach ensures the goals are specific and measurable.
Strategy and action planning – the business coach works with the leader to fully develop their strategy and plan.
Accountability – the business coach holds the leader accountable.
Skill development – the leader develops skills because it is included in their strategy and planning, and because the business coach provides a living example.

A business coach unique among co-pilots for a leader because they are focused completely on the leader.  The involvement of the business coach is supporting the leader to achieve outcomes they choose.