........for life or business

 Business coaching is available either for individuals or teams within an organisation.

It is particularly valuable for situations which are new or significantly changed in a business context and is aimed at helping people make a contribution to their own and their organisation’s success.

It can be thought of as a similar process to coaching a sporting team (where many of these ideas have come from). Typically a footballer, say, learns basic skills as a junior through observation of his/her heroes. Upon joining a team which has a serious intent to achieve, then, the coaching staff will:

• Focus on individual skills – passing, dribbling, striking heading, goal-keeping etc.
• Develop physical strength and flexibility
• Introduce each position in the team and the role that each of them requires
• Develop a team purpose - seeking team rather than individual success
• Develop tactical skills based on the entire team resources available
• Develop a long-term strategy for success based on realistic goals and assessment of total team attributes as well as those of competitors. A realistic assessment of Strengths and Weaknesses is a crucial component of this step

So it is clear that success will be achieved not only because of the attributes, skills and purpose of each individual but also those of the team as a whole.

In a business context, coaching can help:

• academically qualified people adapt to the ‘real world’ quickly and effectively once they have graduated 
• overcome ‘disillusion' that is common when transitioning from the classroom to the office, confronting long-established staff who may think they know everything and may not take well to ‘the new kid on the block’
• you understand the various roles needed by a company and inspire you to broaden your career aspirations and experiences
• understand the elements and importance of corporate culture
• ensure that new staff make a valued contribution to the success of the business as quickly as possible
• develop team skills where the success of the enterprise depends not only on individual excellence, but also performance of the team as a whole.

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The mere mention of Artificial Intelligence (AI) creates a mixed array of responses from people, especially business owners or managers, and maybe the 'older generation'. 

Anything from palpable excitement through to abject fear. 

And yet we've been living with it for over 50 years one way or another. 

But, led by generative chat, there's no doubt 'it' has stepped up another notch. 

So, savvy people are making it their business to gain an understanding of the real potential AI has, and will have even more in the future to make major transformations in our businesses or our lives. But where and how to start??

I suggest this - because it works:

• arrange an overview of what AI is, where it's come from where it's going
• focus on opportunities and threats

This can be done for 'the boss' or Executive team leaders so they can feel empowered to talk with their staff, often more 'switched on' than they are.

Follow up sessions with executive teams to establish where AI could fit in with their current strategic thinking and plans.

Then either group or individual coaching sessions to do some 'deep diving', identifying real opportunities to benefit the business and gain competitive advantage. Typically this may be monthly sessions spread over 12 months. 

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Getting Board buy-in, drive, financial backing and enthusiasm can create the necessary momentum to help you drive change.

See the adjacent item about AI to see how that could be accomplished.

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