'How to Find the Right Coach While Transitioning in Your Career' - Learnings from our Online Event.
In the dynamic landscape of career development, transitioning to a new path often requires more than just a polished resume or a robust LinkedIn profile. It demands introspection, strategy, and sometimes, a guiding hand. This is where the role of a coach becomes pivotal.
Our recent online event, 'How to Find the Right Coach While Transitioning in Your Career,' brought together seasoned coaches and individuals at career crossroads to discuss the essence of coaching and how to make the most of it.
The Essence of Coaching
Coaching, as described by our panelists Ron Rapatalo and Sarah Beller, is not about providing answers but about unlocking a person's potential. It's a space where individuals can tap into their own wisdom through guided questioning. This process helps individuals access their inner knowledge and resources, fostering self-reliance rather than dependency on external advice.
Personal Journeys into Coaching
Sarah's transition into coaching was sparked by her passion for empowering others during her nonprofit work. Her journey was a quest for alignment between her strengths, values, and professional aspirations. Ron’s path was shaped by his natural inclination to mentor, which, combined with his executive search experience, led him to recognize the value of his coaching abilities.
Beyond Resumes and Profiles
Career coaching transcends the mechanics of job applications. It's about aligning one’s career with their life’s vision. Ron highlighted the importance of a holistic approach, advising individuals to seek coaches who resonate with their values and needs. Sarah underscored the need for a coach who can facilitate both the inner journey of self-discovery and the practical steps towards career transformation.
Choosing the Right Coach
Sarah discussed the distinction between individuals who know what they want but struggle with execution and those who are uncertain about their career direction. She highlighted that coaching involves both inner work—identifying strengths, values, and desired changes—and outer work—strategizing and taking action.
Our panelists warned us against relying solely on first impressions when selecting a coach. They cautioned against being lured by marketing tactics, emphasizing the importance of seeking a values-based connection. They advocated for a thorough evaluation of a coach's track record and compatibility with one's career goals. The choice of a coach should be based on rapport and comfort, as this fosters a more effective coaching relationship.
Transparency in Pricing
The discussion also touched on the sensitive topic of pricing. Both panelists agreed on the necessity of price transparency, likening it to the growing trend of salary transparency in job listings. They encouraged open conversations about pricing early in the coaching relationship to set clear expectations.
Q&A Highlights
The Q&A session revealed the importance of compatibility and the potential pitfalls of not conducting due diligence before engaging a coach. Audience members shared their experiences, highlighting the variability in coaching styles and the significance of finding a coach who truly fits one’s needs.
Conclusion
The event concluded with a reminder that the journey to finding the right coach is as individual as the career path one chooses. It’s about finding someone who can not only guide you through the practical aspects of a career transition but also support your personal growth and self-awareness.
As we continue to host these conversations, we invite you to join us in exploring the multifaceted world of career coaching and training for social impact organizations. Stay tuned for our upcoming events and newsletters, and let us know what topics you’d like us to cover next. Your participation and feedback are what make these discussions enriching and valuable.
If you would like to access the recording of the event, please email us at - letsgetitdone@kichocheo.com.
This blog is the result of a collaboration between Dan Onchieku, Florence Navarro, and a few of our AI associates.