Coaching is not only a rewarding profession, but also a powerful way to contribute to your community. Whether you are a certified coach, an aspiring coach, or simply someone who enjoys helping others, you can use your coaching skills to make a positive impact on the people and causes you care about. Here are some ideas on how to do that.
One of the most direct ways to use your coaching skills for social good is to volunteer your services to a nonprofit organization, a social movement, or a community group that aligns with your values and passions. You can offer to coach their staff, their beneficiaries, or their supporters on various topics, such as leadership, communication, resilience, or goal-setting. By doing so, you can help them achieve their mission, enhance their well-being, and strengthen their network.
It's worth remembering that often people just want to be heard. If you can bring deep and unconditional listening to someone in any capacity, you are support people through coaching. Yes, listening is an incredible and highly underrated skill. Bring this first, and anything else is a bonus for your coachees.
Another way to use your coaching skills for social good is to mentor a new or aspiring coach who wants to learn from your experience and expertise. You can share your insights, feedback, and resources with them, and help them grow their confidence and competence as a coach. By doing so, you can support their professional development, expand their opportunities, and foster a culture of learning and collaboration in the coaching community.
This taps directly into the notion of shortening the gap between learning and implementation. Shorten this, and you sky rocket your own development as well as supporting others in theirs. Win - win.
A third way to use your coaching skills for social good is to create a coaching program that addresses a specific need or challenge in your community. You can design a curriculum, recruit participants, and facilitate sessions that provide coaching support and guidance to a target group, such as youth, women, entrepreneurs, or refugees. By doing so, you can empower them to overcome obstacles, pursue their dreams, and create positive change in their lives and society.
Group coaching programmes can be highly effective in creating a greater impact in your desired community! There is a big but however: The facilitator needs to be very clear and intentional around the core purpose of the group, what the desired outcomes will be and who it is and isn't for. Similarly, the participants need to go into this with their eyes open and be willing to put in the required work and ideally be super supportive of their peers to deepen the learning experience further! I'm on the 4th iteration of my business group coaching programme and it keeps getting better and better as hone my craft, receive more feedback from students and keep evolving it to adapt and respond to industry best practices!
A fourth way to use your coaching skills for social good is to write a coaching blog that showcases your knowledge, skills, and stories as a coach. You can write about topics that interest you and your audience, such as coaching techniques, tools, models, or case studies. You can also share your personal journey, challenges, and successes as a coach. By doing so, you can educate, inspire, and connect with other coaches and potential clients who can benefit from your insights and services.
A fifth way to use your coaching skills for social good is to join a coaching network that connects you with other like-minded coaches who share your vision and values. You can participate in events, forums, and projects that offer opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration. You can also contribute to the network by sharing your ideas, resources, and feedback. By doing so, you can enhance your professional growth, broaden your impact, and amplify your voice as a coach.
Shout out to two of my favourite online communities ProspHer - supporting women with Passion Purpose and Power the FAM - Founders are Mental Both communities supporting folks with all the ups, downs and bits in between. One step at a time to help people achieve their goals with a decent dose of reality.