I’m your coach, not your mate!

So, you’re unhappy at work, stuck in a career rut, have a boss you hate or work colleagues you can’t relate to. In short, it’s time to work out what you want, and how you’re going to get it.

What you need now is someone who will help you find the answers that seem to be eluding you. Someone to hold your hand and guide you in the right direction. Someone to support you and help move you forward. What you need is someone who will ask the kind of questions that make you think, and make the kind of observations that may surprise you. What you need is a coach, not a mate.

Whilst both will offer support, do not confuse them.

Your mate will commiserate with you, joining you in slagging off the boss you hate or who upset you. Your mate will be on hand with a large glass of wine, or two, a shoulder to cry on and some soothing words. Your mate will be on your side, regardless of whether you are right or wrong, listening to your outpourings and oohing and aahing in all the right places. Your mate, especially a ‘bestie’, may well drop everything to rush to your side. You will be left with the warm, fuzzy feeling of being loved and supported, but not necessarily with the solution to your underlying problems.

With coaching there’ll be no wine, only a cup of tea (you might even have to make this yourself if it’s an online session). You’ll also have to book your session which will typically last no more than an hour.

You’ll get to talk through your issue, cry if needs be, and receive focused, undivided attention. However, unlike ranting to your mates, you’ll be encouraged to think deep; you’ll be asked questions that will challenge your perception of what’s really going on.

It may take one session, it may take several depending on the issue, but by the end you’ll have a clear idea of the outcome that will work for you, an action plan to make it happen and, of course, support, encouragement, and a surge in confidence. You will feel uplifted knowing the next step you take will be the right one for you and that it will be a positive move forward.

Mates have their place but it’s important to be clear on the distinction between the two support networks. Coaching is action-orientated requiring time, commitment, and focused attention to shift the issues that have plagued you, getting you to where you want to be.

For an empowering, supportive, action-orientated coaching session that will move you forward, please contact me.