The Value of Career Coaching and Its Effect on Productivity

Athletes the world over have coaches. Yet, workers whose very livelihood depends on their ability to perform well on the job are often unaware of the merits of a career coach.

Career coaching has been shown to improve productivity and lessen stress. According to a recent study conducted by the International Personnel Management Association a combination of training and coaching increased productivity 88 percent.

Career coaching is geared towards workers and students who want to make a change in their career. When workers are uncertain what job to take or occupational direction to pursue they are prone to make mistakes. Choosing the wrong career path can be detrimental to one's livelihood. The value of career coaching is indisputable especially when it saves workers from loss in time and wages lost due to career mishaps. For instance, some people get stuck in a job that they dislike, which decreases their productivity and lowers their morale. On the other hand, many individuals take a job just for the sake of it without thinking of the long-term commitment and effect it will have on their lifestyle.

A career coach can help set the path straight for people who have inadvertently selected an occupational direction that doesn't match their interests, or aspirations. With a coach workers learn and understand what is their unique skill set, how to use it to clarify one's career path and align it in the right direction.

How does coaching work?

Coaching takes many forms that are beneficial to clients. At the very onset of coaching a relationship is built between client and coach. A foundation of trust is established between both parties. Trust is foremost in this relationship.

There is one-to-one interaction between both parties. The coach needs to utilize skills and strategies that are conducive to the client's needs and success. The outcome of the coaching session is central. As such, the client also needs to set reachable goals and chart a road map for attaining these goals. The duty of the coach is to make sure the client is on the right track. The client's progress is monitored by asking probing questions.

What happens in coaching sessions?

Coaching is an ongoing process. Sometimes clients accomplish goals in small steps at the onset while at other times targets are reached on a long-term basis. An example of a short-term goal would be to improve communication and self-confidence while a long-term goal would be to get a college degree in a major of their choice.

How can a worker prepare for a career change and work with a coach?

A client mindset is important in accomplishing goals. For instance, some individuals struggle with letting go of their past position especially during downsizing. They are unable to grasp the reasons for a lay off and as such they may harbor resentment or still cling to the job when it is time to move on and plan for the future. In order for coaching to be effective individuals have to change their mindset. Part of the client mindset involves keeping a positive outlook while being proactive when working with a coach.

Coaching: Case Study -Time Management

A recent example is the case of Wilbert. During the intake session, Wilbert indicated that he wanted to improve his career and productivity at his job. He mentioned during the session that he had problems with time management. This was clear, as he was late for the appointment with the coach. He was stressed due to his job duties as director of an outdoor wilderness program for students with behavior issues.

Identity Skill Set and Assist with Time Management Issues

At the onset of the coaching, Wilbert received three assessments from the KNOWDELL? Card Sorts: Career Value, Motivated Skills and Job Style Indicator. He received these assessments on different occasions to help him concentrate on one skill set at a time. He was impressed with the assessments as they revealed his skills and how to develop skills, he previously averted.

The coach also developed a set of time management cards for Wilbert to use on the job. These cards were useful to him as he was able to better allocate his time.

Furthermore, the coach also used visual skills in the coaching session. At the direction of the coach Wilbert used a mind mapping diagram to pinpoint the present place in his career and identify key issues. The coach used this and other strategies to help Wilbert improve his productivity on the job. Each week Wilbert exhibited notable progress. His stress level decreased as he was able to map out his duties and rearrange his time. This decrease in stress provided more time for Wilbert to enjoy his personal life.

As a director Wilbert wanted to manage everything on his job although it was hurting his health. By using a graphic organizer he was able to map out his duties and rearrange responsibilities so that someone else could take over particular tasks so he could have time to concentrate on other tasks.

In evaluating his own progress through coaching, Wilbert shared in a recent session, "I feel better about accomplishing tasks on my job. I am more productive and less stressed. Coaching really helps me."

Wilbert is one of many clients that coaching helps. Each client is unique in their needs and goals. The value of career coaching is seen everyday in people who utilize this service.

Bio
Annmarie Edwards is a certified International Job & Career Development Coach. She works with individuals and businesses on career development. She is the author of 50 Ways to Maximize Your Potential and 50 Ways to Maximize Your Job Hunting. She has a BSC degree in education and also a MA degree. Presently she is a doctoral student at the University of Phoenix. For more information check out her website at http://www.ariacareerservices.com or call her at (877) 645 -7670

Copyright © 2005 by Annmarie Edwards. All rights reserved. Author gives permission for the use of this article as long as full credit is given.

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Coaching Information:

Related Articles

Moment of Magic
Laughter may or may not be a shock, relieved, but its' therapeutic effects are recognised in most cultures. It allows a positive distractive moment or moments.
Live With An Attitude Of Gratitude
Imagine for a moment one of those nights when you just can't fall asleep and you have to get up early the next morning for a very important meeting of which you are the keynote speaker. Your alarm clock goes off early in the morning waking you from what little sleep you had.
Crisis: Danger or Opportunity?
I have often heard motivational speakers say that the word crisis in Chinese means both danger and opportunity. In investigating the facts, I have found running arguments on the web as to whether or not this is true.
The Fastest Way to Ruin Yourself
I don't know many people who would admit to wanting to ruin themselves, but there are a lot of people who are doing everything they can to accomplish that very goal. They certainly don't see it that way, but if you look at the way they live, you can see it happening.
THE Step to Working Smarter (Japanese Style)
Remember that Coke contest from the 80s? If you collected bottle tops that had the letters to spell T-H-E R-E-A-L T-H-I-N-G, then youd win a zillion dollars.Im not sure where the drink industry turned the corner but contests and advertisements are no longer all you will find on the underneath side of bottle caps.
Guilt By Association & Wealth By It Too!
"Tell me what company thou keepst, and I'll tell thee what thou art." - Miguel de Cervantes (1547 - 1616) Spanish novelist.
How Can Sceptics Get the Proof They Need
Are you one of those folks that needs to figure-it-out all the time? Are you one of those Law of Attraction students who catches yourself saying things like, "I wonder how this is going to come to me?" or, "What do I need to figure out so I know what to do next (to manifest what I desire)?" Attention Law of Attraction Students!Stop trying to figure out where/how/when your manifestation is going to come! It's not your job!Here's a great tool that will help all of you 'figure-it-outers' reduce your need to figure it out. Those of you who are thinkers need to see it or know it before you can fully accept that The Law of Attraction exists and is working in your life.
The Great Marketing Reframe
From grimaces to stomach knots, talking about marketing seems to take on the sound of Charlie Brown's teacher, with so many syllables of "wah WAaah, wah WAah, wah." What does this mean? For starters, I find it terrifying ironic that, when it boils down to it, truly - marketing and coaching are actually ONE.
Not Blind, Just No Vision
Helen Keller once remarked that there was one thing she knew of that was worse than being blind; it was to be able to see but have no vision.In case you do not know the story of Helen Keller, she was less than two years old when she suddenly came down with a fever that left her unconscious.
If What You Are Doing Is Not Working Change Your Approach
And ironically the more we worry about it, the more tense we getand the more likely we are to say something stupid.Let us a take a look at some remedies:1 Learn to relax when you feel under pressure.
5 Keys to Powerful Communication
As a coach that specializes in marriage, couples and family coaching, it is critical to develop strong and clear keys for communication. How many times have you been faced with a difficult feeling or occurrence that you are reluctant to discuss with your partner? You probably thought, "If I just don't say anything, I can get past it"?The problem is most of us can't get past it.
Unleash Your True Potential
Some time ago I attended a birthday party and met a young guy who just happened to be 30. I say young because when you're 47, that is a young age!He told me about his career in a major corporate company where he's been working for the past 3 years.
The Benefits of Coaching
When I was first introduced to the profession of personal coaching, my first initial thought was that it sounded exactly like something I would love to pursue. I did further investigation into the profession and before I knew it I was happily enrolled in the Coach Training Program offered through Coach U University in Colorado, USA.
Four Common Rapport Building Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Pretending You Are Interested When You Are NotDo yourself a favor and be honest with yourself and the people you spend time with.
The Problem with Blame? If You Fix the Blame, You Ignore the Problem
Have you ever found yourself in a hurry to leave the house for an appointment when you could not find your car keys?Imagine that you and a friend are in a hurry to leave for an important event. You turn over the couch cushions, rifle through the newspapers on the dining room table, search your previous day's pants pockets, and dig through your purse.
Assertive Communication: 20 Helpful Tips
Most of us know that assertiveness will get you further in life than being passive or aggressive. But few of us were actually taught how to be assertive.
New Developments Make Christian Life Coaching "The" Career Choice for Work-At-Home Professionals
I have watched for a couple years now, as my wife's career has really taken off and I must admit, I am impressed. At the age of 55, having had so many life experiences, it just made me sit up and take notice that something huge is happening.
How to Save Yourself from Negative Influences
Watching the news can be hazardous to your health.It's a fact, especially when you're watching events related to terrorism, kidnapping, murder, accidents, or calamities.
5 Steps to Derail Difficult People - Your Surefire Way to a Peaceful Resolution
That one guy at work that always has to be right; your buddy's wife who can't eat anywhere they serve burgers, or the monster-in-law, I mean mother-in-law, with too many opinions for your own good, difficult people, we all know them. So the question is, is there a right and a wrong way to deal with them? The answer is yes, if you want to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Your Personal Treasure Chest
Sometimes it is helpful to review several of the basic components of THE ENCHANTED SELF. That's what I've decided to do this time.