Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, worked closely with his coach, Bob Bowman, to achieve unmatched success in the world of swimming. Their partnership focused on meticulous planning and relentless training, tailored specifically to Phelps’ strengths and the demands of Olympic competition. Bowman began coaching Michael Phelps in 1996 when Phelps was just 11 years old. Their partnership continued through Phelps’ retirement after the 2016 Rio Olympics. Bowman and Phelps worked daily on every aspect of his life over the course of 20 years.
Starting a coaching journey often brings a mix of excitement and nerves. It’s completely normal to feel a bit uncertain or anxious as you get ready to start your journey of personal and professional growth. It’s important to note that high-performing leaders across various fields—from Fortune 500 business leaders to elite athletes—rely on the personal guidance of coaches to sharpen their skills and achieve exceptional results.
When the leader gets better, everyone gets better
Why is coaching so important? Because when the leader gets better, everyone gets better. Thus, the best investment you can make is in yourself. You will get out of coaching what you put into coaching.
Here are seven ways to get the most out of your coaching sessions
1. Come Prepared
Preparation is the bedrock of effective coaching. Before each session, take some time to reflect on what you wish to discuss and outline any specific areas where you feel stuck or need guidance. This might include reviewing notes from previous sessions or jotting down new developments in your professional life that could use an external perspective. The aim is to have a clear starting point for your dialogue, which helps in diving deep right from the get-go.
2. Be Vocal About Your Goals
Each session should have a purpose or an objective. As a coachee, one of your key responsibilities is to set the agenda by being clear about what you aim to achieve. This could be as broad as wanting to improve your leadership skills or as specific as needing advice on handling a difficult conversation with a team member. If something significant has happened between sessions, bring it up. This real-time relevancy not only keeps the sessions dynamic but also ensures the advice you receive is timely and actionable.
This time is for you, and its effectiveness largely depends on your level of engagement.
3. Be Fully Present
In today’s world, distractions are just a notification away. However, to gain the most from your coaching sessions, it is vital to be fully present, both mentally and physically. This means setting aside your electronic devices, clearing your schedule so you’re not rushing from or into another meeting, and being mentally prepared to engage. Remember, this time is for you, and its effectiveness largely depends on your level of engagement.
4. Be Open to New Ideas
A key element of being coached is the willingness to explore new perspectives and challenge your existing beliefs. A coach brings a fresh set of eyes and a wealth of experience that can offer insights you might not have considered. Being open doesn’t just mean listening to these ideas; it means actively trying to understand and apply them where possible. This openness can sometimes mean stepping out of your comfort zone, but that’s often where the most growth happens.
5. Take Notes
While it might seem old school, taking notes during your sessions can be incredibly beneficial. It helps you keep track of the insights shared and the commitments you’ve made. Notes also serve as a valuable reference to reflect upon between sessions and as a way to measure your progress over time. Whether you prefer a digital tablet or good old-fashioned pen and paper, the key is to capture the essential points that resonate with you.
6. Ask Questions
Never hesitate to ask questions during your sessions. If something isn’t clear, or if you need further clarification, ask. Effective coaching is not a lecture but a dialogue. Your coach is there to guide you, and understanding their advice fully is crucial for your development. Questions can also open up new areas of discussion that can be rich in developmental insights.
7. Commit to Action
Finally, the real value of coaching is realized through action. At the end of each session, you should have concrete steps or actions to implement. This might involve practicing a new skill, rearranging your priorities, or changing how you interact with your team. Commitment also involves reviewing these actions in follow-up sessions to discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what adjustments might be necessary.
A truly transformative coaching relationship is dependent on your ability to be vulnerable and honest.
Bonus: Be Vulnerable and Honest
A truly transformative coaching relationship is dependent on your ability to be vulnerable and honest. Openness about your fears, failures, and uncertainties allows your coach to understand the real challenges you face and provide tailored support. This vulnerability fosters a deeper, more meaningful coaching experience, facilitating real growth and breakthroughs. It’s about trusting the process and your coach, allowing them to guide you through the intricacies of your leadership journey with authenticity and effectiveness. Embrace this openness, and watch how it amplifies the impact of each session, making every moment count towards your ultimate goals.
Coaching is a powerful tool for personal and professional development, especially within the sphere of leadership and ministry. By preparing adequately, engaging fully, and committing to implement the insights gained, you can ensure that each coaching session propels you closer to your goals. Remember, your growth as a leader not only impacts your direct responsibilities but also serves to uplift and inspire those around you.
