So you've been thinking of getting a coach?

It's an enormous industry these days, so why do you need a coach and what goes into selecting a coach?

If you think of life as a learning adventure, there is a well-researched model of learning that explains how we can successfully grow. This research has been based on success in the workforce but I believe there's an opportunity to apply this to your every day life.

Called the 70-20-10 Model, it's a combination of

• 70% on the job experience

• 20% your interactions with others, coaching and / or mentoring

• 10% your formal education.

If you think back to your personal growth, you may notice that most of your knowledge and skills have come from the work you do every day. This could be in life, in work, as a child or in a social setting. There are plenty of highly skilled specialists who haven't received formal education and are amazing at what they do.

And in that capacity of learning, you may realise that along the way there have been mentors or coaches who have supported you. Some were formally appointed and recognised and others may have been incidental.

Mentors tend to be people that are where you want to be. They are more knowledgeable and help someone to achieve a specific outcome. For example, at work you may be a Graphic Designer with an aspiration to be a Senior Account Director. To get support in getting to that position, you may ask a Senior Account Director to be a mentor.

A Coach's aim is to unlock a person's potential to maximise their own performance. There is a specific focus on helping you to learn rather than teaching them.

Coaching delivers results because of the supportive relationship between coachee and the coach. There is also no requirement for the coach to be an expert in your goal. A coach will

• create a safe environment in which you can see yourself clearly

• help you to identify gaps between where you are and where you want to be

• work with you for intentional thought and behaviour changes

• guide the building of the structure, accountability and support necessary to ensure the sustained commitment.

What qualities should you look for in a coach?

1. Reflect Success - A coach should reflect what you want to achieve. If you are looking for a financial adviser, look for someone who is financially successful. A health coach should be someone in prime health. If you are looking for more peace and contentment in your life, then look for someone who reflects the relaxed approach you aspire to.

2. Experienced - A coach should be experienced in what you want to achieve. If you are after business growth, look for a business coach. If you want career transition, look for that experience.

3. Thought Leadership. Look at their thought leadership. There are multiple platforms you can review. Do you resonate with what they are saying or writring?

4. Chemistry. A coach is a partner in 'figuring stuff out' so you need to look for someone that you will work well with. Have a check in conversation to gauge the chemistry. This could be 15-30 minutes.

As an Integrative Mindset Coach which reflects my experience and learning that has been developed over the years. I have multiple modalities that I use depending on the situation. They range from change management and professional coaching concepts to a holistic natural therapies and intuitive approach. This combination is designed to work with you to improve your mindset and remove negative subconscious habits and behaviours to bring our the best in you.

I can say from experience, having a coach has meant my own personal shift from a dis-empowered position to be in a strong empowered place. If you'd like to know more, please send me a message.

Fiona