“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”
– Ann Landers, Writer and Columnist
As business coaches, VIM Executive Coaching frequently get asked if their “career stuck” children or younger colleagues and friends can benefit from transition coaching?
We would first reference a 2009 study by the International Coaching Federation entitled “The Global Coaching Client Study.” The study followed younger coaching clients in their mid-30s to early 40s, those who generally obtained post-graduate degrees (frequently MBA or other professional degrees). That initial study was heavily skewed toward females, where they found business coaching provided increased self-confidence, promoted a better work and life balance and opened new career opportunities.
To quote from a summary of the study: “Coaching is most effective for executives who are preparing for a promotion, who are moving into a new role or who have hit a wall in their development. “
According to the Experts
According to the experts, when young executives (or aspiring executives, or even those who feel stuck) reap tremendous benefits from coaching. The many benefits include:
- A sense of being empowered and given permission to explore options, which leads to greater overall self-assurance.
- A realization that they are not only more accountable, but that they have the ability to take charge of their vision. Some call it momentum or drive.
- Coaching younger clients gives them a greater sense of purpose and clearness as to how to process. “Being stuck” is often a feeling of helplessness and a lack of direction. Coaching creates a track; a way out of such stickiness.
- Business coaching in its broadest sense leads to an encouragement of skill development which encompasses better resume writing, improved interview skills, better communication and a pathway to development.
- Business coaching, expands new vistas for younger executives and recent college graduates who are feeling stuck. Our business coaching approaches encourage clients to pursue a greater range of possibilities and career passions.
- Lack of judgement. VIM Executive Coaching does not judge. It is an important differentiator. We are not parents or supervisors, disapproving friends or relatives. We seek to allow the young executive or new graduate to respond rather than react to pressures.
- Finally, a good coach should be a cheerleader and a source of encouragement, not a source of negativity. We might point out the challenges ahead, but a challenge is quite different from an insurmountable obstacle.
Signs of being stuck and in need of coaching
There are clearly times when assistance for enabling a meaningful transition is particularly warranted for newer executives and recent graduates. Though we have encountered many more reasons than these, the following reasons are particularly common and relevant:
- When the next career move is confusing
- When the young executive or recent graduate is feeling stuck or stagnant as to the next move.
- When the job search or career alternatives seem helpless (or hopeless) to navigate.
- When preparing for change or career transition.
- When there is constant struggle to get jobs, offers and even interviews.
- When the young executive or recent graduate feels a lack of purpose or direction within themselves.
- When the young executive or recent graduate is unable to find anyone in whom they can confide.
Being stuck is ultimately a feeling that is the opposite of mindfulness and awareness. Getting “unstuck” through coaching is certainly possible for young executives and a much faster outcome than most realize. Doing nothing, of course makes the road ahead long, difficult and typically impossible.