Consider getting your very own coach

By Dr Tim Williams

Yes, you definitely need a supervisor (see last month’s Top Tip), and you would likely benefit from having your very own coach too.

As we know, good coaching provides an opportunity for you to think really well about whatever topic you choose to focus on.  Many will have benefited from having coaching as part of their coaching practice, as health coaches-in-training. And, although some do continue with those same groups and relationships, beyond the initial training course, some do not.

I personally have two ‘Thinking Partners’, who I meet with every month.  We normally each take 30-45 minutes to think, independently, without interruption from the other person and it is delightful.  As a Time to Think Coach, this is definitely my preferred way of offering coaching and being coached and there is something equitable (and affordable) about offering this to each other.  You can, of course, choose any coaching modality which is most useful for you.

The benefits

• Regular planned-in sessions that create and provide space in the month.

• Some level of accountability, if needed or wanted.

• Exploring my own thinking without the uninvited input of another person.

• Encouragement to go a bit further than I think I can, with my own thinking.

• Confidence that the decisions I make in my personal and professional life, have been deeply and personally thought through!

Peer Support and Learning

Coaching, as a role, can feel isolating, so having someone who can provide peer support in this way, in addition to regular supervision, has been a game changer for me.  In the same way, when we are training in coaching, we learn as much from being on the receiving end as providing the coaching. Being able to be coached, is, I think, a vital part of what makes a good coach.

My encouragement therefore, is to get looking for someone you can pair-up with, in person or on-line, for a period of time…it does not have to be forever with the same person.  Get a date in the diary, agree how you will spend the time and enjoy!