I come from an athletic background and the principles I learned in sports can be aptly applied to the realm of career coaching. I played football for the University of Michigan and was a member of the 2004 Big Ten championship team. I won’t go into detail about the lessons I've learned because we don’t have enough space in one blog post, but I incorporate these lessons into my career coaching program which generates exceptional results for my clients.
Below are just three reasons why everyone needs a career coach.
1. To get better, faster. You need to hire a career coach to accelerate your progress. If you don’t desire to be great at something, don’t do it. If you want to be great at something, you must not only allow others to point out your flaws to help you overcome them, but you must welcome and seek constructive criticism. If you don’t have a coach, you’re at a marked disadvantage. A coach makes you accountable. When I played ball, our coach knew how much stronger we were getting after every workout. They knew how much film we were watching and they knew exactly how far we were from our personal and team goals. Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time and was humble enough to receive direction from someone who knew more than him. Just as an athletic coach helps their athletes advance in their respective sport, a career coach helps their clients climb the corporate ladder faster than they could on their own.
2. You’re not the expert. Neither is the coach, but with the coach’s knowledge coupled with your talent, skill, drive, and ambition, the two of you can achieve any goal. Two minds are better than one, and there’s no better mind to work with in your career than a coach who can produce results. I always tell clients that I don’t claim to be an expert in their industry or career field, because they are, but I am an expert in how to communicate value more effectively. I tell them that I’m a problem solver, I can give an objective professional opinion based on my knowledge, education, experience and research which allows them to see things they’re unable to see on their own. Your knowledge is limited compared to that of the coach’s. They know what works and what doesn't. It would be foolish to believe that you have nothing to gain from a career coaching expert.
3. Motivation. Be honest. Are you motivated enough to apply to jobs as much as you should? Is there something holding you back from applying to the job of your dreams? If so, a career coach can help motivate you into action. They can also give you the tools and resources that will allow you to circumvent otherwise long and arduous processes. My coaching style is a little intense since I was a hard-nosed football player. I don’t skirt around issues and I’m quick to point out chinks in the armor. Often times, you don’t need consultation, you need confirmation. A career coach simply reminds you of what you already know, and can help you showcase your talents to the world. Since a coach has worked with so many people, they’re able to quickly detect flaws in your approach and are subsequently able to offer valuable and timely advice.
Can you imagine where Michael Jackson would have been without his coach, Joe Jackson? Or where Serena and Venus would have been without their coach? If it weren't for Cus D’Amato, there would be no “Iron Mike.” If it weren't for business mentors, teachers, voice trainers, and supervisors, the world as we know it would be unrecognizable. Think of how far people have gone because of their coaches; now think of where you could be if you found a career coach who could help you reach a higher level.