I’ve been obsessively watching the Olympics the last 10 days. In addition to the athletes, I’ve been watching the coaches and sometimes, teams of coaches. Watching the figure skaters and their relationships with the coach or coaches, I began to reflect on my own coaching relationships.
The coach stands on the sideline – holding his breath – will he make this jump – will she exceed her personal best? The coach sees the potential his or her protégée cannot yet see and holds the space for the client’s highest potential. As a coach, I fall in love with all my clients. When my clients open up and allow me to see who they are, I can see each one’s full potential – I believe before a client ever can.
The coach is human, as I was reminded by the speed skater from Holland, who was directed to change lanes by his coach, and he was disqualified from the Gold Medal. My motto is “Do no harm” – however, my best intention may not be right. I’m reminded that I have learned much from the adverse situations and mistakes I have made, as well as those I have affiliated with. The ability to forgive, learn, and adapt can be lessons a coach may give.
What is the role of the career or life coach?
I am sharing my own learning and assisting others through different coaching techniques. I can assist an individual in clarifying who she is, his impact in the workplace, and possible next steps to personal success.
A perfect time to call a career coach is when a career is in crisis. When someone feels ready to implode, don’t quit. Call a coach! I have successfully helped clients dissect the situation and develop an action plan to overcome the emotions of the moment and successfully handle the political minefield of Corporate America. I’m not performing, but I’m brushing off the client and sending them back in the game ready to assist with feedback and discuss strategies. My clients’ success and failures are my own.
The coaches at the Olympics are athletes who have often experienced the exact situation their protégés are currently experiencing. I can also provide a “been there done that” perspective. My understanding of adult development and behavior at work can assist clients, as I have been in the arena myself. I often tell people my clients have taught me much of what works. I’m a better coach today from the years of experiences I have had with my hundreds of clients.
The coach/client relationship is a unique and special relationship. In your life you will have an opportunity to coach and mentor, as well as be coached and mentored. Choose wisely, because as the player, you are ultimately responsible for your performance. As a coach, I also choose wisely. Over my career I can tell fairly quickly if someone is a client. The hardest thing for me is when he or she doesn’t recognize or is unwilling to take the chance.
In the coach/client relationship, like all others, feedback is key. What works for one client may not work for another. Coaches are human. We aren’t perfect but strive, like you, toward our full potential.
