How Valuable is Coaching for Business?

Coaching for business can be very beneficial in many ways to business owners, senior-level executives, middle and low-level managers and anybody working for a company or business. The entire process is a partnership that involves constant communication, a clear understanding of roles, mutual trust and respect, and accountability between the coach and the individual being coached.

The goal of this partnership is to help the recipients of the coaching to have a clear awareness of what their role is in accomplishing the objectives of the business in order to help it attain success. In the course of the sessions the client becomes empowered so that he will know how to set better goals, improve relationships and make better decisions to reach set goals faster.

Business coaching makes use of different methods, depending on whether it is for an individual or a team and for what purpose the coaching is for. No matter what the need is, if it is for problem-solving, developing leadership/executive skills, improving business performance or other needs, the main focus is on attaining the business objectives of both the person/team being coached and that of the organization they work in.

An important feature that differentiates business coaching from other types of coaching is its two-way approach in focusing on both the needs of the individual or individuals involved and that of the business. It takes into account that the characteristics and perspectives of the business leader, whether it is the owner of the company or the manager of the sales department, can significantly influence business processes and outcomes.

Business objectives are identified and goals are agreed upon at the initial session of coaching.  In each subsequent meetings, the coach helps the individual or team recognize his own role in carrying out these objectives. Once the role is clearly understood, the coach implements activities to enhance that role in ways that are measurable and sustainable. At this point, the individual is asked to take a closer look at his own views and perceptions and strengths and weaknesses and is taught how he can change or accommodate them to help him carry out his role.  

Another key strength of coaching for business is that all the sessions are tailored to the needs of the individual within the context of the organization. Every interaction, including conversations and activities are 100% relevant to the person receiving the coaching and therefore useful in helping him carry out his tasks and responsibilities for the company.  

As opposed to a training course where modules are standardized for general purpose, business coaching make use of an individualized approach with a more direct line of attack. The business coach takes on a one-on-one, hands-on style of learning and gets the individual more involved in identifying problems, in working out solutions for the problems and reviewing the results of solutions applied to the problems. Because the individual is actively participating, the learning is deeply embedded and more empowering.

Coaching for business is considered a very worthwhile investment by many business owners and executives, particularly those who regard the continuing development of their human resource as a critical aspect of an organization. It’s really a win-win for both parties: the person discovers his full potential in the process and in turn works to achieve the most that he is capable of to help the business attain its goals and reach maximum success.