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Career Coaching
Of all the tactics you have to choose from in the area of business and personal career development, there is none more personal, intense, and fast-acting than career coaching. The best (and busiest) leaders of today, even ones who own thriving successful businesses, benefit from the assistance of a good career coach.
The first difference you’ll notice between hiring a career coach and, for example, choosing a business development book to read or workshop to attend, is that career coaches are slightly less visible. Though you may be inundated with flyers for various workshops and lectures, it is rare for career coaches to come through your mailbox in the form of a direct mail campaign – or even your email inbox. You have to search them out. And because your choice in career coaches will make or break your experience, you must make sure that your choice is well researched and well informed.
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One place to start is for career coaching is The International Coach Federation (IFC), which is an organization for career coaches. On their website, you will find a variety of resources including tips, member directories, and educational articles. Check them out at: www.coachfederation.org.
When you’ve picked out a few career coaches whose credentials, focus, and location apply best to your situation, interview them. Before you begin, know what your objectives are so that you can ask intelligent questions of your prospective coaches that pertain to you specifically. What does this coach have to offer you? Has she worked with others in your field previously? Can she provide letters of recommendation? Does she have a plan for her time with you?
No matter what the answers are, make sure that you feel a good connection with your career coach before you begin a relationship. Personal communication and ability to help people feel at ease are just as important as her previous experience in the field. |