It is not always easy to work out what coaches do and how they could support you. Here I talk about how 1-2-1 coaching could work for you - whether initiated for yourself, or via the organisation you work for to support your professional development.
Either way, it is extremely challenging to separate personal coaching from professional coaching - the reasons for our challenges, our behaviours, the way we approach things, our wants and needs - these are not reserved for one part of our lives. We are all people and coaching with me allows for this ‘whole person’ exploration.
What is coaching?
The coaching space is often described as a ‘safe space’ to explore your own thinking and find your potential. But what does that mean and how does it work in practice?
“Coaching enables people to grow and develop, by listening, challenging thinking and encouraging action.” (Watts & Morgan)
Coaching is an iterative process, shaped to support your individual needs. In this space you have dedicated time to focus on you, your personal and professional development and career aspirations. This creates a deeper awareness of yourself, your values, beliefs and motivations and ultimately, to a greater acceptance of who you are.
As your coach, I do not give you answers or advice. I do not judge your actions or thoughts. Instead, I listen and ask incisive questions in a way that allows you to do your best thinking, to think out loud and to share whatever is going on for you. Rarely do we give ourselves the time and space to think, so this is where working together enables you to prioritise time for yourself and explore challenges in a non-judgemental and open way - without interruptions or advice.
“Coaching holds a mirror up so the coachee can see their own thinking process” (Galwey)
Who has coaching?
I 100% believe everyone could benefit from coaching. We all have challenges, dreams and fears. Common areas clients work with me are to:
Build confidence and self-belief to do the things they want to do
Overcome imposter syndrome and reduce the impact of the negative inner voice
Find direction or seek clarity, to get 'unstuck' or find a focus
Gain sight of who they are or re-establish their identity
Find comfort in their true, authentic self
Build a life with purpose and fulfilment
Find a career that aligns with their values
Establish motivation and drive to achieve a goal
Reduce overwhelm and take control
Reset the balance in their life, build resilience and set boundaries
Drive their business forward with energy
Develop leadership skills, confidence and progress further
It is true that no one needs a coach. With a coach, however, you gain a deeper awareness of who you are, you are offered the gift of being listened to and explore yourself and your environment in a way that enables you to accept, understand, move forward and reach your goals - whatever they may be for you.
If you’d like to know more, or start with a chemistry call, do contact me to arrange a convenient time to talk.
Gemma Brown is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation, working with individuals and groups to navigate successfully through transitions - be it career, relationships or life in general. Her belief is that when we confidently bring our whole selves to all areas of life, anything is possible. Transitions exist in both our personal and business life, and so often, the two fiercely overlap. Coaching with Gemma focuses on you as a whole, enabling you to identify your strengths, build confidence and to live a life with increased purpose and direction. Gemma works face to face with clients in the Cambridge area as well as via Zoom. For more about Gemma, visit her 'About' page or contact her directly.