Can I share a personal story with you? About three years ago, I was serving in an organization, and I felt like my professional career was just taking off at its peak. Our organization was growing, our leadership team was thriving, and we thought was had all of the answers.

But then the pandemic hit. And like many of you, I felt like I was leading blindly. I didn’t know what was going to happen next. I lost many connections, and my family experienced an incredible loss.

And although my faith helped me endure, I felt like I was on a hamster wheel. Have you felt that way before? I reached out to our resources, and we allowed our faith to carry us. But if I can be honest with you, my leadership hit a wall. And then I read this proverb:

“Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth.” – Proverbs 16:3

This was when I knew that I needed a trusted advisor. I solicited a coach, and fast forward to today, I am serving alongside the greatest coaches and consultants that I have ever met. My career is finally at a point where I can feel that I am healthy and whole. And I know this is because of the coach who helped me through that journey.

Three Ways a Coach Can Help You

So, here are three ways that a coach can help you.

1. Become a more thoughtful decision maker.

Do you find that you are struggling with the same conflict repeatedly, unable to make a decision? Or, maybe you are in a season of transition and not sure what to do next. We have all been there. And that is where a coach can help you get back in the driver’s seat to make decisions that are more thoughtful and intentional.

A coach will help you gain greater fresh perspectives. Sometimes as leaders, we can only see a portion of the painting before us, and the picture is bleak. But when we take our eyes off that moment, a coach can help us see what else is happening in the rest of the painting. There is also joy happening, and there is something at the end of your story too. A coach will help you see the full picture of what is going on before you. Using 360 assessments, personality assessments, and inquiry, a coach will help you uncover what is happening with you and your team and can help you resolve conflict.

2. Understand coaching is NOT counseling.

A coach can help you see the difference between counseling and coaching. Although the two go hand in hand, it is common for counseling to look at the past and for coaching to look at the future. Counseling is great and helps you to unlock the things that have made you who you are. But coaching will look at who you are today and give you a plan and strategy for moving forward. A coach will look at your strengths and areas that you may need to develop. They will help you see who you are as a leader and what makes you uniquely you.

3. Create a development PLAN with a PURPOSE.

A good coach will help you create a development plan with a purpose. A coach is not here to just give you inspiring, catchy quotes. A good coach is going to give you timelines, objectives, and goals that meet your needs and your organization’s needs. We are here to help you succeed and to do it in a very tangible and intentional way.

Tips to Find a Good Coach

So, how do you find a coach the way that I found a coach?

1. Have a goal in mind.

I always ask my clients, “What would make this experience a success for you at the end of your coaching journey?” Some say, “I want to be a more confident leader.” Others say, “I am in a season of transition, and I’m looking for direction.” While others will say, “I want more time with my family while I’m leading my organization.” There are many reasons to find a coach, and there are many ways to find a coach. But having a goal in mind will help to set you up for success.

2. Don’t skip the consultation.

Personally, I would not want to buy a car without a test drive, and I certainly would not buy a house without a walkthrough. Finding a coach who is a good fit for you is incredibly important. Use the consultation to make sure that the two of you gel and that they understand your goals and your objectives.

3. Find the right fit with the right firm.

There are lots of options out there, but coaching is not a one-size-fits-all model. You need to find a consulting firm that has a diverse group of coaches who will align with your beliefs, values, experiences, goals, and objectives. It is so important that you find someone who understands your path. At The Center Consulting Group, we have a diverse group of consultants and coaches who will walk alongside you to help you be the best leader that you can be.

Investing in yourself through leadership coaching is an investment that will have a long-lasting impact not only on you but on those whom you serve and lead, your family, and your community.

Toni Scialanca is a Consultant at The Center Consulting Group. She holds an M.S. in Organizational Leadership from Cairn University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Strategic Leadership from Regent University. In addition to her work with The Center, Toni also serves as VP & Board Chair for a global nonprofit encouraging leadership development in young girls. Toni’s previous work experience included various areas of supply chain, customer experience, and product deployment as well as in church leadership and management. Her consulting expertise includes strategic planning, leadership coaching, team building, and customer experience.