​What is a Coach?

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A while back, I wrote about what a mentor is. You can check that out here. Mentors and coaches are somewhat used synonymously, but they are actually different. A mentor is someone who will guide you along your journey to achieve a certain goal, usually to gain a promotion, become better at a certain aspect of your job or role (such as leadership, accounting, etc.).
 
A coach, on the other hand, is there to help you improve in a certain area of your work (professional business) or life (life coach). Each have a different purpose. Within each coaching type, you will find coaches that specialize in more specific areas based on their area of expertise. For example, some business coaches focus on leadership, efficiency, accounting, or general business practices.
 
A business coach will help with improve:

1. Leadership effectiveness
2. Effective counseling techniques
3. Recruiting and retention methods
4. Work-life balance
5. More…

 
A business coach will also:

1. Act as a sounding-board for decision-making
2. Help during times of uncertainty
3. Generally, be available for questions and consultation during specified hours to help address general best business practices
4. Typically charges a retainer to have access to the coach (much like a retainer for a lawyer)

 
A life coach will:

1. Improve overall life satisfaction
2. Help define life goals
3. Identify possible career changes
4. Improve work-life balance
5. More…

 
A life coach is not a board-certified therapist. A life coach will help identify areas in your life that can be improved upon, and help make recommendations. One of these recommendations may be to seek professional counseling as a means to improve in a certain area of your life.
 
Both business and life coaches will provide recommendations. Typically, that is all they are – recommendations. So, it is up to you to decipher whether (or not) the advice/recommendation given is right for you. Keep in mind that the coach is giving you their best advice, to help you succeed, and be the best you can. Your time is valuable, and so is theirs. If you disagree (completely) with your coach too often, you may not have the right coach for you. If you find this to be true, perhaps seek a different coach. They will do the same (if they are any good). It doesn’t help either party to continue a relationship (because that is what it is) if neither are agreeing with each other or are dissatisfied.
 
Next week, I will discuss why everyone needs a coach.
 
Until next time…
Jared