I’ve been in leadership for over 20 years and hold a Masters in Leadership, but pre-COVID, I focused more on day-to-day operations rather than leadership. When the pandemic hit, I knew I had to go beyond merely managing my department to leading my team, and quickly. For a leader whose business relied on open borders, now was the time to step up. Fortunately, years earlier I had worked with a coach, so I already recognized the value of partnering with a coach to achieve change. Immediately I booked a discovery call with a recognized leadership coach, and it was the best career decision I ever made.

Why Hire a Leadership Coach?

There will be times when superiors, colleagues and mentors aren’t available. During COVID my superiors faced so many challenges that I didn’t want to add to their work and stress, and a mentor of mine had recently left the organization. I didn’t feel comfortable sharing my struggles with my boss or colleagues. For those who feel the same, or are concerned with perhaps compromising your reputation, then partner with a coach. Coaches create a confidential and judgement-free space where you can talk freely about your challenges. Leadership can be hard at times, so it’s invaluable to have an ally with no agenda of their own, one solely focused on your needs and aspirations.

Some may instead rely on family and friends for a comforting ear or guidance. As I was still going into the office, I would return home frustrated and stressed, sharing it all with my husband. I quickly realized this wasn’t healthy for my marriage. Friends and family may empathize with you, but they don’t always provide objective guidance. And no one wants to listen to constant grumbling, an especially dangerous habit when both of you are working from home. Coaches will not let you wallow in drama, but rather provide an empathetic ear and a valuable outlet to clear your mind and move forward.

How Can a Leadership Coach Help?

Leadership coaches normally have been leaders themselves, so they understand the challenges leaders face. Unlike a consultant or therapist, they will not diagnose the problem or prescribe a solution. Rather, leadership coaches support you in creating your own solutions, as you’re the expert on your industry, organization, team and, most importantly, YOU.

They do this through powerful questioning to help individuals see themselves more clearly. Research shows that self-awareness is a key factor in a leader’s success, but most of us have blind spots. An effective coach will shine a light on your assumptions and patterns, while helping you explore your strengths and where you need to grow. With my coach, I quickly realized that I was spending too much time and energy ruminating over minor incidents rather than ensuring systems were in place to avoid them.

Though not consultants, coaches may share their own experience as well as valuable resources and assessments. My coach had a specialty in communications and shared frameworks to help me communicate more effectively. At times she worked with me to craft critical messaging. To support their coaching, some use assessments that provide a comprehensive overview of your strengths, areas needing development, and leadership style. The insights gained help guide you and your coach to co-create a plan of action.

How to Choose a Coach?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) recommends that you do your homework in selecting a coach. Gain an understanding of what coaching is and how it works. Determine what you want to achieve in working with a coach. What are your goals? Your challenges? Your dreams? Finally, interview three potential coaches to gain an understanding of their experience, who they tend to work with, and their credentials. ICF also emphasizes the importance of feeling a personal connection. This cannot be emphasized enough. On the discovery call with my coach, I instantly felt a connection and became excited to work with her. I also felt slightly unsettled after our call. If this happens to you, check in with yourself. It may be that you suspect you’ll be challenged to stretch beyond your comfort zone. This was the case for me and was exactly what I needed.

I’ve become such a champion for coaching that I recently became certified. I now apply a coaching style of leadership with my team, as well as support women professionals and leaders to thrive at work and home. We’ve been spinning so fast through this pandemic that it’s difficult to clearly see what our new normal will be. What I do know for sure is that I no longer have to navigate it alone. Neither do you.