career coaching in bristol with clare harris

Leadership and career coaching is highly rewarding and can have a huge impact on your professional and personal life. It can help you overcome obstacles that have been holding you back and allow you to move forward to reach your goals. At Fortem Coaching, our mission is to make you feel empowered and confident to thrive in your career. But how do you know if you are ready for the challenge?

You might expect a coach to say NOW is always the best time to start coaching, but it is simply not true. Over the years, there have been a few occasions when I have had to turn away a potential client because they were not ready. I couldn’t take on someone knowing that progress and success is unlikely - it would not only go against my personal values, but also it would be unethical as a professional and accredited coach.

So, what makes you ready for coaching?

1. Are you willing to commit the time?

You must be prepared to prioritise coaching in your busy diary. Committing your valuable time to the process is key to success. Not only must you allow time for your coaching, but also time for reflection afterwards.

2. Are you prepared to take action?

Coaching is all about change. You must be prepared to take action as without this, you cannot progress. Whether it be small behavioural changes or bolder steps, if you are too busy and making excuses, positive change will not happen.

3. Are you committed?

You must be committed to the process. There will never be a quick-fix, so remaining dedicated to coaching is imperative to achieving successful change.

4. Are you willing to work hard to evade resistance?

Change can be scary. We get comfortable - even in negative situations. You must be prepared for a bit of resistance to creep in. For some people, it will prevent them from even picking up the phone and arranging a consultation. For others, it will show up as they get closer to their goals. This is natural, but the courage to move through moments of feeling a bit uncomfortable must come from you.

5. Are you open to experimentation?

Coaching may lead you to taking some behaviour risks which may not work first time. You must be open to trying, even when you don’t see progress after a first attempt. You may fail at first, but you must learn from it and try again.

What are the signs that you aren’t ready?

1. I want my coach to do all the work

Do you want your coach to come up with a list of quick fixes for you and send you on your merry way? This is not coaching. If you’re not ready to allow your coach to support you to explore solutions or you’re likely to avoid deeper enquiry, then this is not for you - yet.

2. I am unwilling to accept responsibility

Coaching requires some level of vulnerability and deep reflection. If you are more concerned with defending yourself against criticism and ignoring feedback, then this is not for you – yet.

3. I want it done quickly

The changes that many clients wish to see do not happen overnight. If you are impatient and unwilling to take the time required for long-lasting positive change, then this is not for you – yet.

The bottom line is: you are ready for coaching when you are ready for change.

When you are ready, what are the benefits?

My company is called Fortem Coaching, which means courage and bravery, and I named it that because I recognise that change requires both. When you are brave enough to take the step, you will experience a range of benefits:

1. Gain clarity on your goals

2. Focus on your own personal challenges

3. Diminish the feeling of overwhelm

4. Build resilience and create balance

5. Create a clear vision

6. Improve self-awareness

7. Enhance your performance

Fortem Blogs

Ready or not? How to know if you're ready for career coaching

So, what makes you ready for coaching?

What are the signs that you aren’t ready?

When you are ready, what are the benefits?