Posted on May 12, 2011 by Glenn Turner

The decision to hire a coach is one that should be made with the results desired  in mind. What is it that you want from the coaching experience? The reasons to hire a coach are numerous, but from a business perspective the top three reasons can be identified as the following:

I. Economically, It Is A Wise Choice

Coaching provides an excellent return on the investment and numerous studies and research have shown this. The ability to continually improve is crucial for any leader to achieve success. The ability to receive a great Return On the Investment (ROI) illustrates the power coaching can bring to a business leader and his/her organization. Coaching in a business setting must be set up with the results in mind. One of the results must be a great ROI!

The return on the investment can be measured in terms of  increased revenues and profitability. The pressure to perform at a high level has never been greater than in today’s tough business environment. Bottom line results are ultimately how leaders within companies are judged. Engaging in a developmental executive coaching process allows a leader to develop the attitudes, skills, and qualities necessary for personal and organizational growth.

For example, a small business owner can use coaching to help build his/her business. Running a business is a challenging, and at times, overwhelming, task. A coach can assist the business owner by bringing a fresh set of eyes to the situation; Focusing energy and actions on select business opportunities and utilizing the core business strengths of the business more often and more effectively. The focus of at least a part of the coaching exxperience must be placed on bottom line results. More customers, more revenue and increased profitability.

II.  Attention on the Individual Person

Coaching will provide time to focus on the individual so that true self understanding takes place. To effectively lead others, an individual must first learn the art of self-leadership. The ability to lead yourself is a crucial part of the ability to effectively leading others. Focusing attention on the individual is important if the individual is to perform at a high level; The focused attention on the individual is crucial. A develomental coaching process allows for an individual to fully discover who they are and what brings their life value. This allows for the individual to pursue goals with confidence, skill and commitment.

The focus on the individual serves several important purposes. The ability to become self aware will result in an improved ability to lead others more effectively. A good coaching process will include a focused approach on both personal and organizational needs. The needs of the individual and the organization can both be addressed in a pragmatic and useful manner. In fact, investing in the training and development of people makes for improved business results.

Business success is achieved through the efforts of people.  Investing in people to achieve maximum reults makes sense. Focusing that investment on the individual benefits all parties and results in a win/win situation.  Success stories are plentiful.

III.  A Clear, Focused, Direction – GOALS

A good executive coaching program will provide the individual with clarity, as far as direction in both personal and professional matters. A leader must combine both visionary skills and practical, ‘just get it done’, skills to accomplish organziational goals. Much has been written about goals and living a goal oriented life style. Goals provide meaning and purpose to life and serve as a continuous source of motivation in the achievement of both professional and personal goals.

Learning to implement a goal oriented life style can be a daunting task. A coach can assist an individual to accomplish this.  Strategies can be initiated and fine tuned over time to assist an individual plan their life with meaningful goals on both a personal and professional level.  Achievement of organizational goals must be a large part of any executive coaching program.

Imagine what success looks like in your personal and professional lives. A coach can take an individuals imagination, and make it a reality.