Our clients share certain characteristics that contribute to their success in coaching. Your sincere responses to the following questions will help you to assess your readiness for coaching with us. Which questions can you clearly say “Yes” to? Which statements give you pause, or discomfort? The more you can honestly respond “Yes” to the questions, the more likely you are to be ready to begin now.
Do I have a real desire to grow and change?
One of the important signals for success in a coaching relationship is related to a person’s impulse for growth and change. It’s not so important that you know how you will bring about growth as it is that you want it.
Am I open to experiment with approaches that are new to me, and to try different ways of doing things?
We stay the same by doing what we have always done. We change by exploring alternatives. We experiment, adjust, and experiment some more to find new actions that support the outcomes we are seeking. Sometimes the biggest shifts come from making modest but recoverable experiments. We take an aim; we fail; we recover and adjust; and re-take an aim.
Am I open to collaborating with others and willing and able to ask for help?
Even if I have had a habit of “going it alone,” I acknowledge that there are some areas in my life where I can benefit from help.
Do I have the discipline?
Let’s face it: we all have discipline in some areas of life and not others. Then the question is, “Do I truly want to cultivate the discipline to follow through on the commitments that arise from my coaching work, including “field work” between conversations: self-observations, practices and actions?”
Am I interested in how others see me?
The way others see you illuminates what’s working and where there may be gaps between your intentions and your current results. Feedback is crucial for plotting out the developmental road map. It will also likely challenge some of your current view of things.
Am I willing to discuss my leadership journey with others?
Rarely does human development occur in silos. We live in a world of relationships, and those who need to keep their coaching a secret may be less committed to change, and to seeking the feedback and support that ensure success.
Will I assert myself to let my coach know what is working, as well as what is not working in the coaching relationship?
Coaching is a true partnership, and course corrections, refinements and straight talk enhance the outcomes.
How likely is it that, without an executive coach, I will achieve the results I imagine on my own?
Successful executive coaching clients are highly motivated toward achieving insights, self-knowledge and results… sooner. Is this true for you?
Am I willing to invest the time, energy and money in coaching?
It’s important to be realistic about the sustainable investment required to bring about real and lasting results. While coaching offers the best option for accelerating the pace of change, our “quick-fix” culture may have us expecting instant results. Human beings actually change slowly. Impatience or an unrealistic idea about how fast or cheap coaching might be will undermine your results and satisfaction.
Is this the right time for me to be doing this?
Only you can know for sure whether you have a habit of putting off what’s important, and if your circumstances are adequate to support the investment in coaching now.
Still undecided? Here are some additional steps:
- Explore Case Studies for some sample coaching outcomes and results.
- Review My Commitment to learn more about the principles of relationship that Terry applies to coaching.
- Review the Frequently Asked Questions section.
- Arrange a time to talk.