When coaching conversations moved my career up a gear

 Two conversations with a life coach each had a profound influence on my career trajectory. I attribute them to my becoming a life coach some years later.

The first came at the turn of the millennium while in a management role with an organisation that retains my loyalty, today. 

Restless and keen to bring about change after ten years, I figured a life coach was needed. I was unaware of what these people did but the life coach title sounded right. I tracked down one; a good one. Within a month, I’d landed a role with another organisation that would stretch me. However, the speed of change in circumstances and mindset took me by surprise. Much of the focus was on positive self-talk.

The second came three years later. I declined to remain permanently when our company was acquired, opting instead to work with the integration team for six months and then move on. However, by the end of this period, my energy was depleted. My immune system had taken a pounding. When a recruitment agency invited me to a 'sounding out' discussion for a client, I hoped no one would answer while standing on the steps of its office at 8am, the following day. Someone answered.

That evening, I updated the same coach on our discussion, stating I needed a break. My coach listened carefully, then, began to reel off, in sequence, each road of the hour’s drive to the workplace of the company with this senior role.

I didn't immediately get the purpose but went with it. 

This visualisation technique was so powerful. 

In my mind, I travelled each of the motorways and major roads. Some cut through swathes of agricultural land, and the greenery was soothing. My perspective shifted and my mood lifted. 

It was time to embrace this job opportunity in earnest. I continued with the selection process and accepted the role. It was an amazing organisation and I had a brilliant team. How differently it might have turned out.

These instances showed me the transformational impact of coaching. It encouraged a shift in language, mindset, and perspective. I was hooked on human potential.

At the new organisation at the end of that roadmap, colleagues began to approach me for insights about personal and professional challenges and change. I wasn’t a coach so offered a listening ear and some challenging questions which they valued.

I didn’t know at the time that these informal discussions were paving the way to pursue and qualify as a coach four years later.

A client mirrored of mine talked about their surprise at the fast pace as they landed their dream role after four weeks: “This is incredible. Pinch me! I can’t believe it’s happening.”

It was happening and it was down to their hard work during those sessions.

by Mervin Straughan