"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Numerous benefits have been documented as a result of effective coaching.  Coaches work in partnership with their clients to challenge their assumptions and help them become “un-stuck”.  Coaching emerged because people perform better and achieve better results when their ability to think about choices is enhanced.  By having a partnership with a coach who believes they are capable and have the ability to solve their own problems, clients are supported and empowered to take action towards achieving their goals. 

In an exploratory study examining the effectiveness of life coaching over a thirteen week time period, researchers found participation in the program to be associated with increased goal attainment.  In addition, participants reported significantly reduced levels of depression, anxiety and stress as well as enhanced quality of life. 

Who Uses a Coach?

Typically, individuals will invest in a coach when they are disappointed in personal performance and have unachieved goals; have lost a sense of personal drive and motivation; or are have a significant life change and/or career move in their near future and want guidance for that change.  However, more and more people are investing in coaching to serve them in being fully alive and fully engaged in life by thinking better about their choices.  Any area of life where people want to move forward is fair game for coaching.

Organizations typically invest in coaching when employees have been targeted for a promotion and need to polish their skills; have an interest in being fast tracked within the organization and has shown potential for growth; or are on a performance improvement plan and with the organization being committed to their success.  Sometimes coaches will be brought in to work with groups who need to function at a higher level or to help bring forward new thinking and open creativity within the organization.  Regardless of whether the target market is an organization or individuals, coaching tends to work well for people who are highly motivated and self-regulated; they tend to need more direction rather than step-by-step guidance. 

Sources:

1. Bivens, B. (1996).  Coaching for results.  Journal for Quality & Participation, 19(3), 50-53.
2. Grant, A. M. (2003).  The impact of life coaching on goal attainment, metacognition and mental health.  Social Behavior and Personality, 31(3), 253-264.
3. Marshall, C. (2002).  The coach approach.  Absolute Advantage, 1(10), 10-13.
4. Mercurio, N. (2004, Winter).  Mastering individual effectiveness through the coaching process. The Canadian Manager, 29(4), 8-10.