If you have ever wondered if you should work with a career coach and were curious about what that process would entail and how it would work, you’re in the right place. As a private and executive coach in Salt Lake City, I have worked with many clients seeking career coaching, and my approach, rooted in the co-active coaching model, has proven to be successful time and time again as I emphasize the importance of a client's relationship with themselves and the balance between being and doing.
Consider this: If you're currently feeling stressed, undervalued, lacking confidence, lacking purpose and direction, or unsure about your career path, how does that influence your actions—or lack thereof? Are you avoiding risks, staying in your comfort zone, or hesitating to pursue new opportunities? Do you continuously talk yourself out of exploring opportunities? Is the thought of shifting your career path met with overwhelm or shutdown? These patterns of being and how you show up will directly affect what you're doing, or not doing, in your career.
Imagine, though, if you could shift your way of being. What would change in your actions and decisions if you possessed a profound sense of self; more aware and connected to your values, identity, and confidence? This blog dives into why individuals seek career coaching, what the process entails, and how it can help you realign your being and doing to create a more fulfilling professional life.
Why Coaching?
People come to career coaching for a variety of reasons. Maybe you’re feeling stuck in your current job, uncertain about your career direction, or struggling to find a balance between work and personal life. Perhaps you’re aiming for a promotion, considering a complete career change, or simply wanting to find more fulfillment in your professional life. Whatever your reasons, career coaching can provide the clarity, support, and accountability you need to move forward.
What Clients Expect From Coaches vs. What Coaches Actually Do
Many people expect career coaching to be about receiving direct advice or being told exactly what steps to take and that the process will be quick. This expectation likely comes from a desire for quick solutions and a belief that an expert should lead the way. While guidance is part of the process, the true essence of coaching lies in facilitating self-discovery, action, and accountability; a process that takes time. To draw a connection to human development, consider how individuals grow and evolve: it's tempting for others to step in and solve problems for us when they already know what to do. It might be quicker and easier for them to take over and complete the task, but doing so robs us of the chance to build confidence and autonomy. Exploring ideas, making our own choices, and allowing ourselves to make mistakes and find solutions independently fuel our confidence, empowerment, and identity.
The same principle applies to coaching. If a coach tells you what to do and gives a lot of advice, they become the one who feels confident and empowered, stealing your chance to feel the same. Research supports this approach; studies have shown that autonomy and self-efficacy are crucial for personal growth and resilience (Deci & Ryan, 2000). When clients are guided to find their own solutions, they build a stronger sense of self, increase their resilience, and develop a deeper awareness of their own identity. This process is integral to fostering a strong, independent, and authentic identity.
We want our clients to be proud of their choices, even if they lead to minor setbacks, as this fosters a strong, independent, and authentic identity. Your best ideas come from this strong, independent, and authentic identity. Our sessions are a collaborative process where you gain insights, develop new perspectives, and build the confidence to make meaningful changes. Here's how we make this happen.
How Career Coaching Works
Reconnect with Your Authentic Self: When you're unhappy with your career, it's common to develop a negative outlook on yourself or your situation. You may have made choices based on what you thought you should do, like pursuing a career for financial stability, to make others proud, or because it suited your younger self. As you grew older and wiser, you may have realized that this path no longer fits you. Don't be too hard on yourself though – we live in a culture where we’re expected to know our life’s direction by the age of 18, without much life experience or a solidified relationship with self. My goal is to help you rediscover your authentic self by exploring your values, desires, and what truly matters to you. This self-awareness is crucial because being in tune with your true self turns indecision and inaction into clarity and purposeful action. In our sessions, you’ll be open to reflection and willing to challenge the ways you view yourself and the world, which may be causing stagnation or keeping you from exploring valuable pathways.
Explore Desires and Values: Once you’re reconnected with your authentic self, we’ll delve into your desires and values. What do you truly want in your career? What are your non-negotiables? Understanding these aspects helps you set meaningful goals that resonate with your core values.
Set Goals and Take Action: With a solid understanding of your authentic self and values, we’ll create actionable steps toward your desired career. This involves setting realistic goals, developing strategies to overcome obstacles, and celebrating your progress along the way. Additionally, we’ll help you with practical skills such as crafting an impressive resume, honing your interview techniques, negotiating your salary with confidence, and building a strong personal brand through professional profiles like LinkedIn. This comprehensive approach ensures that you are well-prepared for every aspect of your career journey.
An important part of career coaching is embracing imperfection. Just like in life, your career path won’t always be linear or flawless. We’ll work on shifting your perspective on failure, seeing it as a learning and growth opportunity rather than a setback. This mindset will empower you to take bold steps, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Career coaching is more than just a path to professional success; it’s a journey to rediscovering and aligning with your authentic self. By focusing on your relationship with yourself, exploring your desires and values, and setting actionable goals, you can create a fulfilling career that resonates with who you truly are. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career journey, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s get started on creating the life you aspire to have.
Reference:
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "What" and "Why" of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
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