By Andrea Goeglein, PhD. with Guest Expert Karen Robilotta, SPHR
Should you be a coach? Maybe, maybe not. The best coaches have wrestled with important questions before turning their interest in coaching into an economic venture. Those who are not ready to give the best of themselves are doing a disservice to their clients. So, before you decide, answer these four questions:
1. Why do I want to coach?
Each of us chooses our own path. Perhaps you are particularly good at a skill, e.g., playing piano, and want to share that expertise with others. Or, maybe you achieved leadership excellence over a long and successful career and think others could gain from your perspective. Too often, however, in the industry known as “coaching” people are enrolling in coaching certification programs for the wrong reasons. Read on…
2. Can I pass the “self” test?
If you are broken, in need, or suffering – you are not ready to be a coach!!! How many times have we listened to presenters, sat in training classes or met with so-called helping professionals only to find out it is a platform for their dysfunction. We don’t need more of that!!! The best coaches have long-standing practices of self-care, self-discernment, self-awareness and self-discipline. Be sure you are a role-model in these areas of “self” before embarking on a career in coaching.
3. Do I have the credentials?
Deep expertise in a specific discipline is, of course, essential to a coach’s credibility. Whether you want to pursue general life coaching, intuitive coaching, spiritual development coaching or any other life affirming training – do it. But do it for yourself first, and decide whether it should be your career only after you love the profession as much as you have learned to love yourself.
4. Why do I want to coach?
Yes, the first question is also the last. The best coaches want to help others achieve greatness. That greatness could be in the arts, business, sports, spirituality, or any area of life. Coaches, like any profession, should earn a living but the economic gain should be an outcome, not the primary reason to pursue coaching.
The best coaches are beacons in the dark of night for their clients. Guides, mentors, some might even say – Sherpas! You can’t get there without getting through your own “stuff” first. Build a solid foundation of loving yourself so you can love whatever you do – coaching or otherwise!
Andrea Goeglein, PhD., is CEO at ServingSuccess and a Success Sherpa. Andrea works with high-achievers to shape their success through individual and group work, retreats, consultation and more. Visit Andrea at www.servingsuccess.com
Karen Robilotta works with clients to recruit and develop high-powered executive talent and to create best-practice HR functions. Most recently, Karen served as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Communications Officer with FOJP Service Corporation and Hospitals Insurance Company and previously Vice President, Human Resources at Pace University. www.karenrobilotta.com
