“A coach is someone who tells you what you don’t want to hear, who has you see what you don’t want to see, so you can be who you have always known you could be.”
-Tom Landry
Throughout history, coaches have been the difference-makers in countless lives. They help others realize their potential, believe in themselves and dig deeper to achieve their dreams. But as beneficial as coaching is externally, there are plenty of personal advantages as well. Here are five reasons you should become a coach and change your own life.
1. A Reason to Study
The act of coaching requires in-depth knowledge of the subject you teach. By nature, that demands an increased amount of study. To be on top of your game, you’ll need to seek the latest research, read helpful literature, and possibly even take a few classes that will keep you up to speed. Because studying is a form of self-improvement and will increase your overall self-confidence and mental sharpness.
2. Leadership Skills
Stepping into the role of ‘coach’ automatically forces you to hone your leadership skills. Coaching and leading are synonymous terms and require the same techniques in different arenas. Deciding to coach guarantees you’ll learn how to influence people, communicate better, and give gentle feedback, all while inspiring people to reach their greatest potential. A strong set of skills like these is a useful asset that you’ll be able to use in various experiences throughout life.
3. Learn About Yourself
Coaching someone else can reveal a lot about yourself. In preparing to teach someone else how to succeed, you may begin to notice your own strengths and weaknesses. You may start to identify areas where you’ve significantly grown and areas where you still have a long way to go. Coaching provides a unique perspective that sheds light on parts of your personality that may have flown under the radar before. Sans coaching, these revelations may have continued to be missed.
4. Learn From the People You Coach
Knowledge is not a one-way street. As with all interpersonal exchanges, there is a give and take. Just like you have plenty to share with the people you coach, there are countless lessons you can learn in return. People bring different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives to the table. Consequently, there are always life lessons you can take away from each relationship you encounter. Fortunately, coaching grants you the opportunity to meet many different people from all walks of life. This allows you to exchange tons of valuable lessons over the years.
5. Way to Give Back
Lastly, coaching is the perfect way to pay it forward. We all had coaches, teachers and mentors who showed us the ropes and allowed us to stand on their shoulders. Many of us would not be where we are today without assistance from wise people who came before us and chose to share their wealth of knowledge. Now that you are in a position to pass down information, you have the chance to give back to your community or career field and help the next up and coming group of change-makers.
Many people want to see the world progress, but few actually take the initiative to participate in making it happen. Coaches, however, do. By coaching, you are connecting with people, making a positive impact and being the change you wish to see. If you are still on the fence about whether to pursue a future in coaching, give these five reasons a closer look, then step up to the plate. You’ve got this!
