Coaches also consider what is unique about you, and collaborate with you to choose tools and ideas that fit you as an individual. Although past is valued for light it can shed on present-day choices, coaching focuses on taking action now to improve your present and future.

Combinations of More Than One Approach

If your situation calls for more than one approach, you may be able to find a person who offers both. For example, a number of licensed therapists have completed coach training programs and can offer both counseling and coaching to their clients. Alternatively, you can work with two people -- a coach and a therapist -- at same time; in this case, however, make sure that both are aware of your choice and that each is comfortable with role of other.

There are also situations in which you might benefit from both coaching and consulting -- for example, if you are starting a business, looking for a job, or restructuring your financial plans. Some coaches have backgrounds that qualify them to give consulting advice in such situations. Even with these credentials, however, good coach/consultants will clarify difference between each approach, and will alert you when they are switching from one to other.

Copyright (c) 2004 Ruth Anderson

6. Would it be advantageous, either in your current job or when you change jobs, to learn a new skill or update your area of expertise? Are you interested in exploring a new or related line of work? If yes, look for ways to develop your interests and skills now – for instance, by taking a college course, doing free-lance work, or volunteering for a cause you care about.

7. Consider who you will want to use as references in event that you have to find a new job. Are there at least three people, other than your boss, who know your work well and can recommend you enthusiastically? Now is time to make sure that you have strong, positive connections with those people, and to update them on what you are doing.

8. In addition to three people you identified in step 7, you will likely want to use your current boss as a reference sometime in future. With this in mind, put yourself in your boss's shoes. Are you meeting and exceeding his or her expectations? Do you know which aspects of your job are most valuable to your boss, and do you give those high priority?

9. If and when you find yourself hunting for new job opportunities, your network of friends, relatives, and acquaintances can be an important source of information and support. Be sure that you are keeping in touch with these people and helping them out as needed – later on, they'll be happy to help you out, too.

10. Last but not least, revise and update your resume now, while you are not under pressure to do so or feeling worried about finding work. Take time to consider your resume carefully and seek feedback from friends or professionals. If you suddenly find yourself without a job, you'll be glad to have a resume in hand.

Copyright (c) 2004 by Ruth Anderson