During periods of economic stress, challenging market conditions or rapid advancements, uncertainty becomes a constant companion in one’s personal and professional life. In situations where individuals are going through a career transition, are a part of organizational restructuring or are affected by unprecedented global challenges, they often carry with them feelings of substantial ambiguity and uncertainty.
It is during these turbulent times (now normal?) that a coach can serve as a powerful anchor, providing guidance, clarity and support. Coaching, as explained by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), is the process of partnering with clients in a meaningful and creative manner that equips individuals and organizations with the ability to inspire, transform and thrive.
In this blog, we’ll discover why coaching is valuable during periods of uncertainty and how this can help individuals build resilience and remain focused on their goals. Crosworks offers a variety of options for individual coaching to bring clarity and focus. Learn more by scheduling a brief, non-binding phone call.
Provides Structured Support
Uncertainty breeds anxiety, confusion and an inability to make rational decisions. When the way forward is unclear, a coach’s expertise and guidance help individuals outline a clear path and allow them to break free from the dark clouds of uncertainty. Expert coaches are skilled at providing an objective perspective. Through multiple focus sessions, a coach creates a safe space for processing complex emotions that often come hand-in-hand with ambiguity. A coach develops solutions to prevent these feelings from clouding one’s judgment or paralyzing decision-making. Coaches ask powerful questions that prompt practical thinking and self-reflection, thus enabling individuals to discover a clearer and structured path ahead.
Adaptability as a Skill
Individuals (at least most of us) don’t have an innate ability to respond effectively to changing circumstances. Change brings a feeling of fear and stagnates one’s ability to overcome any imminent obstacles. A coach helps individuals develop this crucial skill by challenging fixed mindsets and encouraging them to take calculated risks and become more open to experimenting using different approaches. Through one-on-one sessions and guided reflection, coaches help individuals recognize ineffective patterns in their responses and their approach towards handling challenging situations. Coaches work closely with their clients to build more effective coping strategies and identify ways to transform a threat into an opportunity for growth.
Transforms Uncertainty into Opportunity
For many, uncertainty brings feelings of fear and despair, but coaches help reframe this image and paint it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. They challenge assumptions and encourage employees to think creatively and drive them to maximize their potential. This perspective shift is of significant value in organizations where changes are rapid and, as a result, employees experience considerable fear and become paralyzed by constant change. Coaches in these situations help transform the narrative from ‘threat’ to ‘success’ by fostering resilience that is required to adapt and thrive in rapidly changing conditions.
Builds Resilience and Strength
In times of uncertainty, our emotional and psychological strength is put to the test. Often, we succumb to our external pressures and find ourselves drowning in ambiguity and despair. This is where coaches come to the rescue and work with clients to repair and develop crucial skills, teach techniques to manage stress, process emotions and maintain performance under periods of immense pressure. To our benefit, they act as our trainers, targeting our minds and building safe spaces with ample room to learn (from mistakes) and stand back up with strength and fortitude.
Shifts the Approach: From Reactive to Strategic
Sudden, impactful changes in our environment often trigger reactive behaviors that can be detrimental to practical decision-making. A coach interrupts this behavioral pattern and encourages individuals to make thoughtful considerations, rather than impulsive actions. In other words, coaches train their clients to drop the defensive decision-making approach and focus on developing a strategic stance. This shift allows employees to make more calculated decisions that are aligned with long-term goals instead of defaulting to simple solutions for short-term relief.
Conclusion
In times of uncertainty, a career coach is a guide, trainer, challenger and forever cheerleader! Professional coaches provide a safe sounding board and help you navigate ambiguity, tackle complex problems, develop resilience and make meaningful decisions.
At Crosworks, we serve as a non-judgmental place for you to process issues, gain perspective, create action plans, develop new skills, move past limiting beliefs and build confidence. If you want to build a thriving career, schedule a free, introductory call with Crosworks to learn about our Individual Services and how we can be there for you.