Written by: Fabienne Prevoo, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Leadership is a profession. Leadership can be fulfilling and challenging at the same time. It all comes down to being fully aware of who you are. A leader who goes through life unconsciously will constantly react to people and situations. These reactions are based on the patterns and behaviors that the leader has developed over time. On the other hand, a leader who can deeply listen, understand different perspectives, and reflect on triggering events can make a difference in people’s lives. Knowing yourself is the key ingredient of being a good leader.Sounds easy, right?
But the truth is, it is not easy to know yourself and act from a place of curiosity instead of judgment. Nobody can see their blind spots. Also, being a leader often results in receiving less feedback, or being less receptive to feedback, from others who can show you your blind spots.
Why every leader needs a career coach
1. Coaching puts you at a competitive advantage
A good coach can shift your perspective. Organizational psychologist Oscar David stated in an interview that leaders working with a coach, have an advantage over other leaders. Leaders are usually working under tremendous time pressure in an often dynamic and demanding environment. Therefore, leaders who work with a coach take moments to pause and reflect on a situation, hear a different perspective, or answer questions that challenge them to think and act out of their comfort zone.
2. Coaching is for everyone
Every famous sporter, artist, and CEO has a coach. Why would you not need one? Life happens out of your comfort zone, and you need someone who believes in you, cheers you up, celebrates successes with you, and pushes you to achieve even better results. After all, life is better when you are you. You deserve to be authentic and perform at your best. It is powerful!
3. Coaching will put you into action mode
Books will inspire you; online training and workbooks will give you insights, and a coach will put you into action. Only action will result in sustainable changes in your life and leadership. If you want to truly enjoy your life and get the most out of it, allow life to unfold and take actions aligned with your vision for your life and leadership.
4. Coaching raises your awareness
Nobody is good at seeing themselves the way others see them. Coaches can be considered an external pair of eyes and ears, providing a more accurate view of reality. If your awareness rises, you can make choices in your life and leadership from a place of consciousness instead of fear. A good coach can open your eyes and show you all the wisdom you carry within. You will feel empowered to break down old patterns and limiting beliefs.
5. Coaching has a ripple effect
If you lead with authenticity and confidence, those around you will be inspired and fulfilled by your leadership. Energy attracts energy. Consequently, the energy you display as a leader can help elevate others to higher energy levels. Leaders can achieve a culture of inclusiveness and collaboration through empathy and kindness. This can be practiced through coaching.
Why does coaching work?
According to a recently published article from the International Coaching Federation, coaches can help leaders navigate the transition to a more human work culture.
This article argues that coaches can help leaders navigate changing leadership roles to support resilient and authentic leadership. The impact is that leaders can overcome their fears and engage with employees on a human level, thereby modeling a human-centered culture. And this is what we need in today’s ego-centered world, right?
If you work with a coach on becoming the best version of yourself and being an authentic and confident leader, that has a ripple effect on those you surround yourself with in and outside the workplace.
How can a career coach empower leaders?
Ask you questions designed to evoke insight and get to the heart of your career purpose and passion, helping you unlock your potential.
Challenge you to achieve outer goals while also undergoing internal transformation.
Empower you to shift your perspective and be an authentic and confident leader.
Hold you accountable for action taking based on your core values and personal goals.
Provide tools, encouragement, and guidance, allowing you to achieve better results than you could ever do on your own.
Disclaimer: Every career coach is different and has a specific focus – so do your homework!
If there is a gap between where you are now in your career and where you want to be, there is room for a career coach. Not only will your coach help you close the gap, but your coach will help you uncover your blind spots. A coach will empower you to break through your assumptions, interpretations, and limiting beliefs by challenging you and bringing out the best in you!
Have I sparked your interest yet?
Alright, you have made it this far! Knowledge is power, but knowledge without action does not change anything. Take the first step in the discovery process to start bridging the gap between where you currently are in your career as a leader and where you want to be.
Success is about the choices you make, starting now.
Let’s do this! Contact us here.
Fabienne Prevoo, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Fabienne Prevoo is a Career Coach, who empowers corporate senior leaders to lead with confidence and transition to their dream careers. Her “Dream Career Coaching Program” is a customized system for leaders who feel unfulfilled or stuck in their current careers. She also provides leadership training to companies and organizes one-day retreats for women. Her mission is to lead her best life and help her clients lead theirs with balance, passion, and fulfillment.
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