Though no one asks this question as directly as stated; it is asked in different forms like do you coach people from a certain industry ? level ? etc.
Most of my clients are very senior executives, running big departments or companies. They have a lot more subject matter expertise than I do in their respective fields. Which is fabulous because I am not giving them advice, I am coaching them. One reason for this is that coaching may be misunderstood as teaching someone something which it is not.
The way it works is that we establish a baseline at the beginning – what are their strengths, their values, their priorities and their goals ? And then as we focus on how they can be more successful (which is the essence of all coaching, truly), I ask them to consider their strengths, values and priorities and bring those to the forefront as we move forward in this partnership. It is the rapport and trust that you build with the client along with your belief in their potential which is more important. While having a specific niche as a Coach makes it easier for your clients to find you, what you really want is a client committed to work towards their goals with you, everything else is just bells and whistles.
I don’t need to know how semiconductors work. Nor do I need to know how to run the finance function; Or a biotech energy company; Or an insurance company; or a startup. What I need to do is be a keen listener, challenge assumptions,understand values and ask really powerful questions. Of course every coach has a set of tools they bring out as and when needed – this comes from learning, practising and certifying as a coach. It does take a lot of learning and practise to become a good coach, in areas like positive psychology, emotional intelligence, aspects of neuroscience and many more. This may be a little difficult to understand, try a session and you will know.
From time to time a client comes to me and I do have expertise in their field, which makes them feel understood especially when it comes to jargon. But it’s utterly unnecessary to the ultimate outcome of our coaching relationship – which is greater success for the client in an area they choose to work with me.
Reach out to me at bhavnadalal@gmail.com to learn more.