by: Amie Haar, Elite Professional Network Memeber, BIGiOK Consulting Growth Coach and MyNetwork Facilitator
The field of coaching (including mentoring, managing and leading) thrives on the premise of guiding individuals through personal and professional challenges. Coaches are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of their clients, but in the process, they often overlook their own needs for guidance and support. Recognizing the significance of self-care and personal development, coaching for life coaches has emerged as a pivotal tool for nurturing resilience, enhancing empathy, and maintaining balance within the realm of personal growth.
So how do we, as the coaches, the leaders, the managers, the mentors, do that?
WE. HAVE. OUR. OWN. COACHES.
As coaches, we are instrumental in helping others navigate through life's complexities, yet we too grapple with our own personal and professional dilemmas. Engaging in coaching ourselves allows us to delve into our own emotional landscapes, understand our strengths AND limitations, and work towards personal growth. By fostering a culture of self-awareness and continuous improvement, we have the opportunity to set an example for our clients, demonstrating the significance of introspection and ongoing development on the journey of self-discovery.
When we have our own coaches, we can enhance our abilities of both empathy and effective communication. These two areas combined and knowledge within them enable coaches the opportunity to understand their clients, teams, mentees, etc. at a much deeper level, offering more perspectives to support them through their struggles.
That being said..maintaining empathy amidst the challenges of coaching sessions and conversations can be daunting. By creating space for our own coaching, we are able to not only practice, but experience active (TRUE!) listening, improvement of communication techniques, hone in on our own approaches to come alongside and walk with those we are leading rather than metaphorically pulling them along behind us and hoping they will catch up. Sharpening tools for these areas not only enhance our effectiveness in helping those we coach, it fosters a more compassionate, understanding, and trustworthy environment…one that nurtures growth.
And what about this burnout epidemic we are all aware of, experiencing, or both?
Well. Coaches being coached can aid in the prevention of burnout and sustained well-being. The demands of leading, coaching, mentoring, etc. can be emotionally taxing. We are exposed to increased knowledge and awareness of client/team/mentee hardships and struggles, which can take a massive emotional toll if not managed properly. By engaging in coaching relationships ourselves, we have increased space to process experiences, set boundaries, and develop self-care strategies that in-turn create that same space for those we coach. By making our mental and emotional well-being a priority, we have more capacity for maintaining the things we are called to do…to help others ESPECIALLY when we can operate from a place of not only authenticity, but also vitality. What a concept
One of the many things we as coaches love to be able to say is , “I can help with that."
And so we would like to say those exact words…to YOU.
If you are in a space of leadership, management, mentorship, coaching, and could use someone to come alongside and lead you well. We can help with that.
At BIGiConsulting, we have a team of Growth Coaches who are ready, willing, and continuously sharpening their own tools so they can show up as their best for you.
We would love the opportunity to provide a space for YOU to grow.
For YOU to be nourished.
For YOU to be poured into…
Because coaches need coaches, too.
