This was the opening of Bill Gates at one of his TED talk. This is no surprise as one common point to all high performing individuals, from executives to athletes, is having a coach. Yet, surprisingly, nearly two-thirds of executives don’t. In fact, the majority of individuals are not comfortable to consider, let alone ask, for coaching. Most managers would easily see a need for coaching for their team members but not for themselves as they believe that they are already at their very best. Why do we always see it so clearly in others but not in us?

In today’s workplace, the impact of personal and emotional issues on business is not yet widely recognized although they drive most business decisions. In fact, business decisions, even when justified with rational elements, are often based on emotional responses to events and conversations. That is exactly what coaching is about: An external non-judgmental person helping you to become more aware of your own blockers and behaviors and how they impact your results.

Coaches act as partners and motivators, not as counselors. They never tell you what to do. They just ask you the right questions that lead you to find your own answers. They provoke the kind of shared ownership that give you the energy and clarity to turn your ideas into reality. They see through the excuses that you make and they hold you accountable. They see how you limit yourself and they challenge you to do more. They serve as a guide while you create the plan, define the outcomes and take it to execution. They keep you motivated and committed to achieve the goals that you have co-defined. Stepping away from your daily job once a week for a coaching session is probably one of most valuable investments for you as well as for the organization you are working for.

Nadia Chen, Talent Engagement Director : nchen@kurrant.io