Coaching; supporting you smash your career goals.. whilst prioritising your wellbeing.

Coaching, what even is it?

Some people I speak with see it as something only Executives have access to... others perceive it as talking about your feelings and life, while trying not to choke in a room filled with incense.

For me, coaching first started in the sporting world.

Now, when you think about athletes and sports teams, it is almost unheard of for them *not* to have a support crew around them, including that key individual - the coach.

I fell hard for the coaching bug over 20yrs ago. There is nothing more awesome than seeing someone realise, and reach their goals - overcoming hurdles (sometimes literally!) to far exceed their own expectations.

Studying HR and Organisational Psychology at Uni, I was fascinated by how this could transfer into the workplace, and the benefits to both employees and organisations.

Now the approach I took 15yrs ago, when I started my professional career, was always one of supporting individuals develop and reach their goals, whilst ensuring they were focusing on their wellbeing.

If there is one thing that is almost as important as "training" and "performing" - it's building in time for rest, and prioritising both your physical and emotional wellbeing. Ask any sportsperson!

However, in organisations I was observing more and more high achievers burning out.

When I decided to set up my own coaching business, I started telling people that I was approaching leadership coaching from a holistic perspective - with a key focus on wellbeing.

I was laughed at on more than one occasion.

"Wellbeing? Ha! Burnout is just part of modern work, and if a leader can't handle it....." - said one senior leader. (*seriously!*)

The thing is, it's one thing achieving goals and performing - however, it's another to sustain it over the longer-term.

Modern work is overwhelming for even the most experienced of leaders. There are increasing pressures, expectations and we are more connected than ever.. constantly "on".

Throw in all the complexities, challenges and steep learning curve that leaders go through when they step up into a new leadership roles, it makes my toes curl to think that many organisations are still *not* providing robust support to their leaders, to ensure they have the best chance of success...

...and sustaining that success.

* Steps off soap box *

Thankfully we are making progress since those early conversations and both forward-thinking organisations and senior leaders are seeing that supporting employees with their wellbeing is not just the right thing to do, it also benefits the bottom line.

Injecting more "life" into our lives and prioritising our health & wellbeing does wonders for all of us, and the organisations we work for!

So I wanted to share with you a Q&A with one of my clients, to show just how coaching can support you (or your employees) get to the heart of what they want to achieve ... whilst improving their wellbeing.

Winning all around!

Jenn

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Q&A with client - we worked together over 3 months during 2019:

1) How were you feeling before you started coaching?

I had zero work-life balance and was tired and stressed. As a result of overwork, my confidence and resilience had dipped. 

2) What was it that you wanted to get out of coaching? 

I wanted to regain balance in my life, and reconnect with what my goals and aspirations were. 

3) If someone asked you "What are the benefits of coaching?" - what would you say? 

Coaching allowed me to gain clarity, renew my confidence in my own abilities and helped me to identify a path for the future.

4) How did coaching support you? 

Coaching gave me a good framework to make a plan for the future and set more healthy boundaries in my life. 

5) What was your greatest learning during the programme? 

That my intuition is usually correct and I can trust my own judgement! 

6) In a few lines, please summarise your experience working with Jenn

Jenn is a very engaging, personable and above all practical coach. 

She is able to get to the heart of an issue very well and I found our work together very helpful to get clear on my own values and aspirations so that I can move forward purposefully in my next venture. 

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Thank you for taking the time to read my "musings"!

Before I sign off I'd like to share a simple principle I live by, and share with my clients; you can 100% achieve the things you want in your career, whilst still having time for life!

Jenn

Career Transition & Leadership Coach | Onboarding Leaders | Part Time Adventurer

[email protected]