Personal Coach

One of the new professions in the business world is that of Personal Coach. Sometimes they are called a Life Coach. Not sure I'd want to take on that responsibility, or would trust someone else to be my life coach. (I relate too much to the lyrics of Sunshine..."He can't run his own life, I'll be damned if he'll run mine.") The reason the Personal Coach is sought in our highly individualized society is because we have personal consultants giving advice on how to get-in-touch with our inner self, diet, finances, golf, and dating. Having a coach to help in management, leadership and communications skills is not surprising. Here are some startup questions as it relates to the subject.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PERSONAL COACH?

1. To analyze the needs of a person and organization. Sometimes outsiders can see things more clearly than those inside.

2. Give suggestions on how a person or group can be more effective.

3. Give critical evaluation. What he/she/they need to do in leadership and management.

4. Teach principles and concepts.

WHAT A PERSONAL COACH IS NOT?

1. People with line authority. They can’t make anyone do anything…they don’t have that power.

2. Your new best friend, or they shouldn’t be. If a person or company is not prepared for critical evaluation, don’t hire a coach.

3. A hired gun to solve the leaderships problems. A coach can tell what needs to be done, but it’s the management/leadership which must make the changes.

WHO CAN BE A COACH?

1. People with enough experience to be legitimate.

2. Someone who has a history of having applied the principles, not just talk about it.

3. Cares more about the success of the company beyond time and expenses.

In the coming weeks I will dissect these categories, and more, in finding the right coach for culture and companies.