Do You Need a Coach?

If you are determined to improve your performance, a coach is necessary. Your coach can spell the difference between a good performance and a better one if you commit to the agreed plan of action.

In triathlons, you can hire a coach, either online or in person, to help you define or refine your techniques in the swim, ride or run. Seek a coach in an area you wish to enhance your competence. What are your competencies? These are your aggregate of skills, knowledge, expertise, experience and exposure in areas related to your profession or pastime. I have attended workshops on all three disciplines in triathlons, and found them to be useful in my appreciation of my athletic performance.

Do a SWOT analysis for yourself (not necessarily reserved for brands alone). What are your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats? Your weaknesses can be your Achilles Heel, and a tipping point to your disfavour. Poor swim techniques can rob you of your energy of the bike leg, causing a domino effect to your run. A proper bicycle fit by an expert fitter can also translate to a comfortable ride, and therefore better power and efficiency on the ride [EDUCATION OF A BIKE FITTER, 6 May 2010].

A coach need not be expensive, and can be influential on your personal and professional development. Having said, there are many who claim they are coaches, yet they cannot be competent in all areas. Beware of wild claims some of these executive coaches make; check their credentials and seek testimonials and references before you invest your time and money on them. Determine if they are reliable; to build trust with you, a coach has to be straightforward, open, accepting and reliable.

A career coach can also help you in the way that author Richard Bolles expressed himself in his book, What Colour Is Your Parachute? You can learn how to strategise with your manager your developmental plan for enhancing your value as a staff.

Be valued, value others and be value-able – seek a coach to reach your potential. Leave your comments on your success with your coaches.