Who needs a coach?

In many cases a coachee is actually very good at what they do, and often so good that it begs the question "why do they need someone else telling them how to do it?"

The simple answer is: they have a coach because they want to be even better.

So not surprisingly the world's elite sportstars and performers all at the very top of their game, use coaches:

And now the business world is catching on:

Eric Schmidt is the former CEO of Google who ran a billion-dollar company.

He swears by coaching, saying that getting a coach is the best advice he has ever received.

“The one thing people are never good at is seeing themselves as other people see them. A coach really, really helps.”

Bill Gates is the co-founder of Microsoft. Ex-chairman, CEO, and chief software architect.

Bill surrounded himself with a team of coaches and mentors throughout his career.

"Coaching is not just for executives, but for everyone in everyday positions, and at all levels. We all need a coach because we all need feedback. That’s how we improve.”

The case for coaching

Coaching stimulates growth for everyone in and around an organisation:

Tangible Benefits

Effective coaching of business Executives will drive (on average):

22% profitability increase
39% improved customer service frequency
ROI in the bracket of 400-800% (from independent studies)

Intangible Benefits

Coaching also positively impacts leadership skills and employee relationships up and down the business. Surveys reveal:

Over 50% improvement in working relationships and work atmosphere
Up to 47% stress reduction - as well as a marked reduction in stress for employees working with those who have participated in coaching.

The Ripple Effect

Studies also found that coaching positively impacts work/life balance and family relationships.

Ref: https://www.td.org/insights/making-the-business-case-for-executive-coaching

Partner 'fit'

The most fruitful coaching, mentoring and consultancy relationships are based on fit.

So your counterpart can’t be just anyone—they need to be right for you.

It will help if career and business paths look similar, but not necessarily the same. You won't have to constantly explain the subtleties of your role, and will receive a scope of broader experience.

The person you seek doesn't necessarily need to be much older, or even that much further ahead in their career. Professional and generational alignment will make conversation relatable, relevant and rich.

Look for qualities that matter to you, with skills in leadership, business acumen, adaptability, and empathy. The right qualities will be different for everyone but relationships of value are built on patience, trust, and honesty.

Find out how your counterpart maintains balance, what their life priorities are, and how these priorities potentially mirror your own. Do they walk their talk?

And remember: excellent advisors are excellent listeners, and an even better questioner.

They should empower you to find the best answers for yourself.