In Business and Sports, Getting to The Top Requires Professional Coaching:
8 Ways a Coach Will Improve Your Performance
Part 2 of 2
by Ellen A. Kaye
Most people would say they don’t need a coach – that they’re fine the way they are. But
if your career isn’t where you want it to be or you simply want to polish your presentation
skills, increase your credibility or improve others’ perception of you, examine these
reasons for hiring a coach to give you the edge you need to succeed spectacularly. The
first four reasons, published in the October 24th GLADIATOR are:
1) You'll get the job. 2) You'll get the promotion. 3) You’ll create a great first
impression. And, 4) You'll look fantastic.
5. You'll stand out at a business meal. Dining etiquette is a touchy topic
because no one thinks they need help, but almost everyone does. Desperately. Every day, people lose business deals because their dining etiquette is deplorable and they are completely unaware of it. Whether your dining habits are costing you business deals and promotions or you need polishing in just one or two areas, a professional coach will make all the difference. Dining etiquette workshops over a meal or even a one-on-one meeting with a coach can help to make a client look good.
6. You'll speak more professionally. Are your verbal communication skills what you’d like them to be? Can you speak with clarity, brevity and professionalism in all situations? If not, coaches will provide the skills you need and the self-confidence that goes with them. They will teach you to think on your feet, to speak professionally and to eliminate annoying verbal habits. Consultants who may be well liked by peers, might not be liked or trusted by management. Unconscious habits such as mumbling humorous remarks during company presentations could stymie support and hold back promotions. A coach can help an employee to eliminate a specific irritating habit, and thus prepare the person for future advancement.
7. Your presentations will be remembered. If you give presentations inside or outside your company, you should be working with a coach to ensure that your performance is dynamic and your message is memorable. A coach will pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and help you craft a compelling pitch that will captivate audience attention – and help you motivate them to the desired action.
8. You'll ace your TV interview. An experienced coach will always work with your message and delivery, your stage presence, your wardrobe and your poise in preparation for a television interview. A professional coach understands how to use the camera to your advantage, how to look your best, where to look when and what to say. You will feel confident and at ease before you go live. There are a million important details to adjust, fix and keep track of in advance of a television appearance. It is physically impossible for you to do this for yourself while trying to focus on the interview at the same time. Prospective employees who realize the importance of doing a great job on TV should hire a coach to prepare and be on set with them
As a business professional, you have more than enough to think about without also worrying about whether your speech and image are right or whether your mannerisms are holding you back from a promotion. Put your career in the hands of a professional coach and you’ll be amazed at how people treat you with greater respect and perceive you to be a smarter, higher performing individual with whom they want to be associated. However you look at it, coaching is a smart investment.
About the author:
Ellen A. Kaye
Why Shouldn't We Hire You?
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