Stepping into a leadership role for the first time can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You want to make a difference, but there’s always that lingering thought: “Am I really ready for this?” This is where a coach can make all the difference.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own—and I know firsthand how a coach can transform your journey.
The Power of Coaching: My Personal Experience
I was overweight my entire life until I graduated from high school. I knew I wanted to change, but I didn’t know where to start. Then, I met a coach named Julie and decided to give it a shot.
She explained that the only way to see progress is to record where I was when we first started. When I stepped on the scale, I immediately felt ashamed: At 5’1”, I was almost 200 pounds. But she had this way of making me feel hopeful about the future, and that was exactly what I needed.
As we began working with each other, Julie explained everything in a way that was very easy to understand: she laid out the foods that were best for me, explained which muscles we were working each day, and when I needed to rest.
I’m not going to lie, at first, it was excruciating. There were countless times I wanted to throw in the towel and give up. But, as time went on, the workouts got easier. I could feel my body getting lighter but I was too traumatized to weigh myself again.
Julie was patient, encouraging me to trust the process and not focus on immediate results. After seven months, I finally built up the courage to step on the scale again. To my surprise, I had lost 50 pounds! A year later, I’d lost a total of 65 pounds.
Working with Julie was like having my own personal guide to help me through my weight loss journey. She showed me the ropes, built my confidence, and gave me the tools I needed to succeed.
This is exactly what a coach does for new leaders.
Four Benefits of Working with a Leadership Coach
Let’s delve into the four ways a coach can help you thrive as a new manager:
1. Personalized Support for Your Growth
When I met Julie, she didn’t hand me a one-size-fits-all diet or workout plan. Instead, she tailored everything to my situation. She took time to understand my habits, what I struggled with, and where I needed the most support. Together, we set realistic goals that mattered to me.
In leadership, a coach works the same way. They don’t give you generic advice. They help you identify your strengths, work on your areas for growth, and set goals that match your career aspirations.
2. Building Your Confidence as a New Leader
It’s easy to let negative thoughts like that get the better of you, especially when you’re trying to make big changes. Julie didn’t let me stay stuck in that place. Instead, she showed me how much progress I could make and cheered me on every step of the way.
Similarly, new leaders often deal with self-doubt—wondering if they’re ready for the role, or if they’ll fail. A coach helps you realize your strengths, focus on your wins, and overcome those nagging feelings of imposter syndrome.
3. Developing Key Leadership Skills
When I worked with Julie, she didn’t just tell me to exercise; she taught me about the types of food to eat and workouts that would keep me going long-term.
Leadership is about having the right tools and skills to get the job done. Whether it’s learning how to delegate, give feedback, or run effective meetings, a coach can give you practical tips to help you develop the key skills you need to succeed.
4. Staying on Track and Accountable
In my personal experience, there were plenty of times when I wanted to quit. But having Julie there kept me accountable. She reminded me of my goals and celebrated the small wins along the way, which kept me motivated to push forward.
Leadership development takes time and focus. A coach helps keep you accountable, making sure you stay committed to your goals and continue growing as a leader.
Conclusion
Having a coach was a game-changer for me in my weight loss journey, and it can be just as transformative in your leadership journey. A coach provides personalized help, boosts your confidence, helps you develop key skills, and keeps you on track.
If you’re serious about growing as a leader and making an impact, working with a coach is one of the best investments you can make.
You don’t have to go through it alone—with the right guidance and support, you can lead with confidence and thrive in your new role.
