Being A Coach: What's In It For You?

Written by: Jodi Flynn

Published: February 2015

Why would someone want to become a coach? So often, when we think of the benefits of coaching, we tend to think in terms of what benefits the client receives. In truth, coaching is often a win-win situation for coaches and clients alike.

Coaching can provide you with a unique opportunity to harness your passion and channel it into a career helping others achieve measureable results. It can also allow you to use your life experiences - personal and professional - to motivate positive change in others.

In my opinion, there is nothing more thrilling than participating in a process that causes individuals to be awed and inspired by themselves. Being allowed to share in that process is an honor and a privilege.

As a coach, you'll probably be drawn to a certain type of "client." Personally, I'm passionate about assisting talented and ambitious people develop into the professionals they most admire. Working with your ideal clients will often inspire your own growth, both as a person and a coach. You'll be amazed at what your clients teach you - and how you can integrate what you learn into your future work with clients.

What Are Your Superpowers?

I have always been the type of person others come to with their problems. Twenty minutes into a conversation I often hear people say, "I've never told anyone this" or "I don't know why I'm telling you this."

When I was young I thought listening was the most boring skill anyone could have. Now I consider it my superpower.

If you're thinking of becoming a coach, think about your own superpowers - special skills, talents, or natural abilities that help others in some way.

Maybe your magnetic personality draws people to you effortlessly. You might hear things like "I feel so comfortable around you" or "I feel like I've known you for 20 years!"

Or perhaps your enthusiasm and passion for your profession makes you a powerful force in effecting change in the corporate environment. Others might tell you "You said that in a way that actually makes sense" or "No one ever put it in those terms before and I finally get it!"

In general, coaches often see the potential in another person - even when others may not. Coupled with an appreciation for personal growth, coaches use one or a number of their superpowers to propel others to see their own potential - and to use it to overcome a challenge or meet a goal.

What Does It Take To Be A Coach?

Dedication. Patience. Determination. A positive mindset

And a burning passion for what you do!

Coaching is focused on results, so it differs from traditional counseling that aims to help individuals treat mental health or other issues and establish or increase life functioning.

Coaching is sometimes mistaken for business consulting, but it's not the same. A consultant outlines a course of action that must be taken to meet a business goal. The consultant tells the client what needs to happen to achieve the desired results and may also do the work that's needed.

Instead, a coach concentrates on the present and on delivery a process by which the client can find the best solution based on their talents, skills, goals and resources. The coach then partners with their client, building and implementing plans for the future. Coaching is action-oriented and often geared towards those who are already highly functioning.

If you're serious about making your mark as a successful coach, it pays to engage in some type of training. Priority Learning offers the Leadership Coaching Qualification Series, a program which provides 64 hours of coaching with professionals who have been in practice for over 30 years. This 8-day, 6-month series is committed to giving you the ability through coaching to develop your own leadership and the leadership of those around you.

You can also explore the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), an organization that offers comprehensive coach training programs. iPEC's website offers valuable, in-depth information about coaching and can help you determine whether or not it's the right path for you.

Concluding Thoughts

If you find your calling as a coach, you may discover what many before you already have - the fulfilling career of a lifetime. Many coaches find their work brings greater depth to their interpersonal relationships, enhancing their understanding of others and allowing for both personal and professional growth.

Coaches often refer to their work as rewarding, energizing, gratifying, and even exciting! Moreover, coaching gives you an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others - and in your own.

Jodi Flynn

Jodi Flynn of Luma Coaching coaches entrepreneurs and small business owners around their mindset for success. She helps them to identify the default tendencies that are getting in the way of growing their business and/or their enjoyment of their business.
Luma Coaching