Navigating Career Success: Why You Should Choose A Women’s Career Coach

As women, we are expected to balance multiple responsibilities and excel in our professional and personal lives simultaneously. I know this firsthand both personally and professionally. It isn’t easy to navigate upward movement and momentum in our professional lives if our personal life isn’t balanced.  Often when clients meet me for the first time, they are pleasantly surprised to learn that I ask many questions to get to know my client better. These questions include what is the desired outcome, what time can they commit to the process, and where clients get stuck or dive into negative patterns.  It provides me an opportunity to see the whole picture and provide a holistic plan.

Often, achieving career success can often feel like an uphill battle. You may experience feelings of being stuck or angry and find yourself unable to move forward. Having a professional in your corner collaborating with you and providing suggestions can help tremendously. Through personalized coaching, you will find that an unbiased opinion can be most helpful. As you work on strategies and see successes, your self-confidence will grow.

This is where a career coach approach to success comes in. By understanding the connection between your physical sensations and emotions, negative patterns vs what is motivating, energizing and fun; you can identify negative patterns and behaviors that may be holding you back. A well-trained women’s career coach can help bring awareness to these patterns and provide guidance on how to navigate them.  On top of it, a coach can bring unconscious patterns and behaviors to a conscious level. Sometimes we do things without even understanding why we are doing them.

One of the ways a women’s career coach can help you is by providing support in understanding the somatic reactions to physiological outcomes to the brain. Somatic reactions refer to the physical sensations we experience in response to stress or anxiety. By recognizing these sensations, you can develop a better understanding of your emotions and how they impact your behavior. This is also known as the “mind-body connection”.

By working with a women’s career coach, your coach can help you stay on track towards your career goals by providing a safe space to discuss your fears and challenges. This is a place where vulnerability and open is a huge plus! This can be especially important when facing obstacles such as a difficult boss or a competitive work environment. A coach can help you navigate these challenges and provide strategies for success.

Moreover, a women’s career coach can help you identify negative self-behaviors that may be hindering your progress. Negative self-behaviors can include self-doubt, fear of failure, and negative self-talk. A coach can help you recognize these behaviors and provide tools for overcoming them. To top it off, you will learn how to increase your self-esteem and learn how to quit putting up with b.s. from others! B.S. also stands for boundary setting and that helps with the other kind of b.s.

When does it make sense to hire a professional to help you? Here are some instances where you might consider seeking the assistance of a career coach:

1. Career Transition: If you are contemplating a career change or are uncertain about the next steps in your professional journey, a career coach can provide guidance and support. They can help you explore your interests, skills, and values, and assist you in identifying potential career paths that align with your goals.
2. Job Search Support: A career coach can be invaluable during your job search. They can help you optimize your resume, improve your interviewing skills, and provide strategies for networking and accessing hidden job markets. A career coach can also offer personalized advice tailored to your specific industry or job market.
3. Professional Development: If you feel stagnant in your current role and desire to enhance your skills or advance your career, a career coach can provide valuable insights. They can help you identify areas for growth, create a development plan, and offer guidance on acquiring new skills or pursuing additional education or certifications.
4. Enhancing Performance: If you want to improve your performance in your current job or overcome specific challenges, a career coach can provide tools and strategies to enhance your effectiveness. They can offer techniques for time management, stress reduction, communication, leadership, and conflict resolution.
5. Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and personal life is a common challenge. A career coach can help you assess your priorities, set boundaries, and develop strategies to achieve a healthy work-life balance. They can guide you in making choices that align with your overall well-being and fulfillment.

How to pick the right coach for you?  Choosing the right women’s career coach is an important decision that can greatly impact your professional growth and success. It is important you find someone you connect with and feel comfortable speaking to.  You may have to interview a few coaches to find the fight fit. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a career coach that is the right fit for you:

1. Expertise and Specialization: Look for a career coach who has expertise and experience in the specific areas you want to focus on. Consider their specialization, such as career transition, leadership development, or work-life balance. Ensure their expertise aligns with your needs and goals.
2. Qualifications and Credentials: Check the coach’s qualifications and credentials. Look for certifications, professional affiliations, and any relevant training or education they have undergone. These factors can provide assurance of their expertise and adherence to professional standards.
3. Compatibility and Rapport: It’s crucial to feel comfortable and have good rapport with your career coach. During an initial consultation or discovery call, assess their communication style, listening skills, and whether you feel they understand and connect with your unique situation. Trust your instincts and choose someone with whom you feel comfortable sharing your goals, challenges, and aspirations.
4. Track Record and Testimonials: Research the career coach’s track record and success stories. Check if they have testimonials or reviews from previous clients. This can give you insights into their ability to help others and achieve positive results.
5. Coaching Approach and Techniques: Understand the coach’s coaching approach and techniques. Some coaches may use structured programs, assessments, or specific methodologies, while others may have a more flexible and intuitive approach. Consider which coaching style resonates with you and aligns with your learning preferences. It is important to find a coach who looks at the whole picture and not just one segment of your life.
6. Availability and Support: Determine the coach’s availability and support system. Consider factors such as session frequency, duration, and whether they provide ongoing support between sessions, such as email or phone check-ins. Clarify expectations regarding their availability and responsiveness.
7. Cost and Value: Assess the cost of the coaching services and evaluate it in relation to the value you expect to receive. While pricing should not be the sole determining factor, ensure it is within your budget and aligns with the level of expertise and support provided.
8. Referrals and Recommendations: Seek referrals and recommendations from trusted sources, such as colleagues, friends, or professional networks. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insights and help you find a career coach with a proven track record.

Ultimately, choosing the right women’s career coach involves a combination of research, personal assessment, and trusting your intuition. Take the time to explore different options, have conversations with potential coaches, and select someone who can guide and empower you on your professional journey.

In summary, a direct approach to career success involves understanding many factors  and developing strategies to navigate goals, life balance and even identify negative behaviors. A women’s career coach can provide support in this process, helping you stay on track towards your goals and achieve the success you deserve.

For more information about career coaching, contact Stacey Inal.

Sources:

1. International Coaching Federation (ICF): Visit the ICF website (https://coachingfederation.org) to access valuable resources, including a directory of certified coaches and information on coaching ethics and standards.
2. Forbes: “How to Choose the Right Coach for You” – This Forbes article (https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2019/02/06/how-to-choose-the-right-coach-for-you) provides tips and insights on selecting the right coach, emphasizing the importance of compatibility and specialization.
3. Harvard Business Review: “Why Everyone Needs a Coach” – This HBR article (https://hbr.org/2019/07/why-everyone-needs-a-coach) highlights the benefits of coaching and explains how it can empower individuals to reach their full potential.
4. Coaching Psychology International: “A Personal Guide to Finding Your Coaching Match” – This article by Grant and Greene (2013) published in Coaching Psychology International offers practical guidance on selecting a coach who aligns with your needs and goals.