IBEX

Life coaches give "reality check".

Reaching out to an executive coach can help everyone from small business owners to executives to "potential leaders" develop the skills to achieve success in every area of their lives.

Benita Stafford-Smith, a Winnipeg-based executive and life coach, says many of the people who enlist coaching services define themselves as already being successful in at least one area of their lives and are looking for ways to redefine and enjoy their success. For those who have been identified in their organizations as potential leaders, an executive coach builds on the skills they've already brought to the table and helps them focus on becoming effective leaders both professionally and personally.

"The end goal is to increase results," says Stafford-Smith.

The goals and results - which include improved communication, networking, leadership and mentoring skills as well as sales approaches - are as varied as the people who seek out a life coach. Some want to find ways to increase their financial success, others are looking to build better relationships in their communities. Most of all, they're all looking for piece of mind.

Stafford-Smith describes the people she works with as being both successful and driven but, in many cases, they can't seem to find a feeling of peace or satisfaction; they have the feeling that something is still missing.

"Coaching helps with the self-discovery process to still that empty feeling."

As warm and fuzzy as all that sounds, executive and life coaching is not to be confused with counselling. Again, the goal is increased results and, once you've identified the goal, your coach becomes a measure of accountability.

"Coaches help you focus on what gets you results, keep you focused on the goal," says Stafford-Smith.

And coaches can be tough when it comes to accountability because they aren't involved in the daily operations of the business. They provide a different perspective that staff and friends won't and can objectively help identify what the barriers and challenges are without the fear of saying the wrong thing. In other words, coaches can be a bit of a reality check.

"Everybody benefits when an executive or business owner gets a coach," says Stafford-Smith. "That includes staff, bosses, family members and friends."