3 Things I’ve Learned About People While Coaching and Why You Should Get A Coach Now

I’ve been coaching for about 25 hours and learned three things about people.

People have a strong desire to be heard.

I know what you might be thinking…’ duh’! But I didn’t realize how many people don’t feel heard. Throughout their day, people constantly communicate via social media, calls, texts, emails, or even face-to-face. Still, they do not feel heard. Coaching them gave them a safe haven to be finally heard. Without judgment. Without fear. Simply to be acknowledged. This simple act of acknowledgment can be incredibly powerful and profoundly impact an individual's confidence and self-esteem.

People instinctively know what they want; they just need to talk it out sometimes.

I have found that people often know what they want but may need help articulating their thoughts and ideas. One of the most rewarding things about coaching is helping Leaders discover solutions and action plans to apply to their problems. Those solutions don’t come from me. They come from within the Leader I’m coaching. While I may ask a few questions to guide the conversation, the real work comes from within the individual themselves. The real magic is helping the Leader realize they know what they want to do and bringing that idea to the surface. People want to talk their plans out. They want to test the potential pitfalls and consequences of enacting such a plan. They want to wrestle with their idea — out loud.

People do not feel safe expressing themselves in most organizations.

I have observed that many people feel unsafe expressing themselves within their organizations. Fear of judgment, retribution, or even job loss can lead individuals to keep their thoughts and ideas to themselves. Coaching can allow individuals to express themselves without fear of negative consequences. This can increase both organizational and personal creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Organizations can benefit from a more engaged and empowered workforce by creating a culture of psychological safety, where individuals feel comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves.

What are YOU waiting on?

Coaching can be an incredibly powerful tool for personal and professional development. It can help individuals gain clarity on their goals, identify areas for growth and improvement, and develop strategies to overcome challenges. With the support and guidance of a coach, individuals can build their confidence, improve their communication skills, and enhance their leadership abilities.

Coaches can also provide a valuable outside perspective, helping individuals see their situation from a different angle and gain new insights. They can challenge limiting beliefs and behaviors, and help individuals develop new habits and ways of thinking.

Another benefit of coaching is accountability. Having a coach provides a level of accountability that can be difficult to achieve on one's own. Coaches can help individuals stay focused on their goals, track their progress, and celebrate their successes. This accountability can be a powerful motivator, helping individuals stay committed to their goals and overcome obstacles along the way.

Overall, coaching can be a transformative experience, helping individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. Whether you are looking to advance your career, improve your relationships, or live a more fulfilling life, a coach can provide the support, guidance, and accountability you need to make it happen.