Coaching - a new business buzzword or a worthwhile tool for peak performance?

By Tina Monk

Is coaching simply another modern buzzword or it is something worthwhile and enduring? Looking at the increasing number of individuals and organisations using coaching, is proof that it is an effective tool that is here to stay. Coaching is the second largest growth industry worldwide and that includes Australia.

What is coaching?
A simple definition of coaching is 'bringing out the best in people'. However, this term means different things to different people. It can encompass the areas of knowledge and expertise, giving support and encouragement, providing guidance for personal and professional development, and improving skills.

Why use coaching?
When is the right time to turn to an executive coach? Here are some of the reasons clients have come to me for coaching:

• They were finding it hard to lead effectively.
• They were finding important decisions overwhelming.
• They were uncertain how best to handle an upcoming change.
• They needed a confidential sounding board.
• They wanted someone to help brainstorm a new business idea or direction.
• They needed assistance starting and/or growing a business.
• They wanted help to manage their own career.
• They felt unchallenged in their job or career.
• They wanted assistance in improving their own coaching skills.
• They felt it was difficult to balance life between work and home.

How does coaching work?
Coaching sessions can be held face-to-face, over the telephone, via email or any combination of these. Some coaches will visit people at their premises or there may be in-house coaches.

While helping the person being coached to build a strong personal foundation, coaching helps people identify WHO they are in terms of beliefs, values, standards and behaviour; WHAT they want - achieving their full potential, promotion, increased productivity and more effective time management; and HOW to get it by helping them devise strategies, goals, targets and keeping them on track.

With executives, this can include helping them to increase their profits, better manage their organisations, hire, motivate and retain the best people and move their organisations to the next level. They can improve their leadership and management abilities and become powerful role models for others in the company.

The coaching process provides a foundation for continuous, life-long learning and improvement while adding value to the organisational bottom line.

Tina Monk is a Success Coach who works with individuals to help them find and achieve their full potential in all areas of their lives. She is a member of the International Coach Federation and is an accredited Career Coach. She also works as a facilitator of programs for organisations including mentoring, coaching and counselling. She can be contacted on (02) 9960 3171 or tmonk@bigpond.com. Visit her website at http://www.coaching-for-success.com