In a career spanning two decades across diverse industries, my journey has been marked by a commitment not only to professional growth but also to facilitating transformative journeys for individuals. This commitment led me to the discovery of coaching, a latent passion that emerged unexpectedly in a new organizational setting.
Enrolling in the Certified Professional Coach (CPC) program with Corporate Coach Academy (CCA) was a pivotal turning point, bringing both enthusiasm and uncertainties. Lingering doubts about whether coaching was the right path and if I could truly make a difference were overshadowed by the prospect of helping more people and facilitating transformative journeys.
The journey into coaching was not a solitary endeavour; rather, it was enriched by peer coaching sessions with fellow coaches who became my pillars of support. As I explored various coaching avenues, I encountered a unique coaching challenge – Mr Y, an introvert who is uncomfortable with stepping outside his comfort zone.
Armed with coaching principles from the CPC program, I initiated a meticulous contracting process with Mr. Y to probe and to understand his goal. The discovery stage was crucial, it demanded deep listening on my part to understand the intricacies of Mr Y challenges.
Navigating Mr Y hesitancy to step outside his comfort zone involved unravelling underlying concerns. This coaching journey demanded patience, understanding, and a nuanced approach to break down his fear barriers. Reflective exercises became crucial tools, aiding Mr Y in building his confidence and acknowledging his capabilities and contributions in team settings.
Exploring Mr Y career aspirations revealed a desire for skill development, leading to the creation of a personalized development plan. However, Mr Y initial struggle to articulate specific goals posed a challenge to the coaching process for a new coach like me.
Moving from “I don’t know” to actions proved to be a challenging aspect in the initial sessions. Adjusting the coaching approach and allowing Mr Y time to transition from uncertainty to clarity led to a gradual breakdown of barriers. The coaching principles, initially theoretical, began to manifest in tangible actions.
Recognizing the need for external support, we delved into mentorship and external resources within his ecosystem such as his workplace and family. The small victories in Mr Y journey—the acknowledgment of his abilities, his valuable contributions, and articulated aspirations served as poignant reminders of the transformative power of coaching.
Navigating the coaching journey with Mr Y has been both challenging and rewarding, emphasizing the essence of coaching as a process of self-discovery. It became evident that coaching is not about imposing change but about facilitating a transformative journey. Mr Y story stands as a testament to the inherent potential in every individual, waiting to be uncovered with the right guidance and patience.
While still exploring coaching options, the joy derived from helping others propels me forward. The uncertainty that once cast shadows over my decision has transformed into excitement and possibility. The uncharted path forward in coaching is embraced with eagerness, armed with the hope of unlocking potential in those I have the privilege to coach.
Reflecting on my journey from Learning & Development and Human Resource (HR) to coaching, I acknowledge that the path forward remains uncharted. It’s a journey filled with possibilities, where each coaching session is a step into the unknown. The joy of helping others especially the younger generation became my guiding beacon, and though the destination is unclear, the resolve to contribute, evolve, and facilitate transformative journeys remains unwavering.
As I stand at this juncture, I am ready and eager to continue this transformative coaching journey knowing that every coaching session holds the potential to uncover, inspire, and catalyse positive change.
Learning & Leadership Development Specialist, MAXIS
CPC, Corporate Coach Academy
Corporate Coach Academy is the World’s Top 3 ICF Coaching School and
Top Coaching Provider in Malaysia. It is known for its ICF coaching programs and offers the best executive coaching programs with 3 learning options.