Coaching is field that’s been rapidly expanding over the past 15-20 years. It’s a profession many Baby Boomers and others are entering and it’s a supervision skill many managers and teachers are learning.

Coaching comes out of an understanding of human motivation. People are motivated by internal motivation, not external rewards and consequences. Much research has been done in this area. Yes, you can get people to work for external rewards but the research shows they often do worse.

People are motivated by understanding how what they are doing contributes to the whole. They want to do things that are interesting to them. They are motivated by doing things that are need-satisfying to them. People are motivated by safety, security; connection, relationships; power, importance, respect, significance; freedom, choices, independence; fun and learning.

People are not motivated by fear. Fear will cause many people to seek to avoid pain and the punisher but when they are left to their own devices, they will do what they are internally motivated to do. The best you can hope for with coercion is compliance. You won’t get quality, inspiration and creativity.

Coaching in the workplace helps people tap into their internal motivation. A coach helps people set goals, determine what quality looks like and supports the person on the path toward realizing those goals.

Life Coaching helps people who are seeking self-growth and development reach their personal goals. It is not like counseling because coaching is often done by phone with individuals without mental health concerns. Coaching works with healthy people looking to make positive change in their lives. It is very present oriented. Coaches do not delve into the past for explanations of behaviors. They take clients from where they are into the future to who they want to be.

In this way, coaches get hired similar to how people hire personal trainers for an exercise program. Coaches are hired for their knowledge. When their clients don’t know how to do something, coaches provide expertise in human motivation. When their clients lack confidence, coaches support and encourage. When clients are sabotaging themselves or waning in their enthusiasm, coaches challenge their clients to be their best.

Yes, people can accomplish their hopes and dreams without a professional coach but they can do it much faster with one.

Ten Reasons to Become a Coach:

1. You want to get the best from your employees or students.

2. You want to help people accomplish their hopes and dreams.

3. Your passion is helping others.

4. You know how to align your clients’ goals with their values and passions.

5. You are goal oriented and know how to help others accomplish theirs.

6. You want a flexible schedule.

7. You want to be your own boss and have your own business.

8. You want to work from your home and from anywhere you are in the world.

9. You have expertise and life experiences that will help others.

10. You see yourself as a lifelong learner.

If you are interested in learning coaching skills, then look for a coaching program near you. Learning the skills of coaching will serve you throughout your life while you work with your clients, employees, students and even your own children.

Author Bio: Kim Olver is a life coach and public speaker. She has worked in the helping profession since 1982 and has spent her entire life helping people get along better with the important people in their lives. Kim works with couples, parents and children, and individuals seeking to improve their lives. For more information on becoming a coach visit Choice Coaching and receive a free report.

Category: Career
Keywords: coach, become a coach, goals, goal attainment, coaching, career coaching, personal coaching