The Benefits of Working with a Professional Coach

After 16 years in my field, I thought I'd learned most professional lessons through trial and error. But when I stepped into my first executive leadership role, I quickly felt overwhelmed. Reading, training, and learning from mistakes weren't enough. Friends recommended executive coaching, so I made the decision to invest in myself and my leadership development and started working with an experienced coach.

Working with my coach helped me develop my own leadership style in four key areas:

Self-awareness – It's difficult to accurately assess your own performance, strengths, and growth areas. A coach helps you gain insight into patterns of thinking and behavior that may be holding you back. Through powerful questions, they help you uncover your own wisdom and problem-solve creatively.

Confidence – Having a thought partner is invaluable when facing difficult decisions. My coach helps me weigh options, explore scenarios, and strategize about consequences. This different perspective gives me greater confidence in my choices. Having a trusted confidante to brainstorm with without judgment empowers me to stand firm and communicate decisions effectively.

Clarity of vision – Long-term planning overwhelms me. When thinking five or ten years ahead, I fixate on variables beyond my control. My coach had me draft a Personal Business Plan with long-term goals. Though challenging, this exercise clarified my personal mission and the steps needed to advance my career. My coach helped translate my vision into words and develop actionable short-, medium-, and long-term goals.

Accountability – I sometimes avoid challenges. My coach holds me accountable to my goals and to addressing issues directly. Knowing I'll report on my progress, struggles, and learnings motivates me to act on what we discuss. Sharing what worked and what didn't keeps me working toward better leadership.

Finding the right coach matters. At Piñon, we serve as strategic thought partners who help turn your career vision into reality. Our professional advisors work with you to define goals and develop a strategic roadmap to achieve them. Contact us for a free 30-minute consultation to discuss which Piñon services can help you reach your goals.