The importance of SMART to you

When considering implementing a coaching programme with individuals within a team or a team within a business it is important to understand why you are doing this and what you are hoping to achieve from it.  By clearly setting out and agreeing your objectives – from the business, individual and coaches point of view – you are more likely to achieve a successful outcome.  And, perhaps almost as importantly, you will be able to demonstrate that you have.

Business coaching has the potential to deliver a myriad of positive benefits for the business and the individual receiving the coaching.  This can be anything from a fresh perspective on a personal challenge, enhanced decision-making skills, greater interpersonal effectiveness, or increased confidence. Personal and professional improvement could also include increased productivity, success in achieving goals or an overall satisfaction with work/life balance.  We take a quick look at the five key areas where coaching can have a demonstrable impact:

Development of self-awareness – coaching doesn’t provide the answers directly, but it does provide individuals with the space to develop their own solutions, guiding them and asking the right questions.

Improved levels of ownership and responsibility – with increased self-awareness, individuals are more likely to recognise a challenge and find ways to address it.

Increased confidence in identifying solutions to work-related challenges –coaching also provides employees with a better understanding of their own skills and capabilities, which in turn improves their own confidence in being able to identify an effective solution to work-related challenges.

Improvement in performance, achieving targets and goals – the combination of the outcomes above help lead to measurable improvements in things like work performance, business management, time management and team effectiveness.

Enthusiasm for personal learning and development – with the individual being able to see the positive impact that coaching is having on their performance they are more likely to recognise and embrace their own on-going personal learning and development.  This could include improved self-confidence, relationship development, communication skills and life/work balance.