Get your organization to invest in your coaching

Getting coached requires a significant investment in time, effort and money. Though you're aware of the benefits in the short & long term to your career, peace of mind and fulfilment, you may still hold back considering the "investment".

Well, "investment" is the right word. And, investing in yourself is the best investment you can ever make.

Having said that, if you don't have the resources this red hot minute, you can still get coaching. You can get your organization to sponsor it, as long as you can show how it'll benefit them too.

More & more organizations are intentionally setting aside significant amounts of funding to coach their people. Your job becomes easier (in terms of negotiating/requesting coaching support) especially if you're a high-achiever being considered for the next big role. Or, if you're about to join a new organization, negotiate coaching as part of your starting package/first 90-180 day plan.

Here are 3 prompts that'll help you strengthen your case: 

1. What specific results are you aiming for, as a result of coaching?

Mention a specific timeframe, if applicable. For e.g., one of the goals could be: transforming the culture of your team from one riddled in underperformance, conflict and lack of productivity to one of stellar performance, results & team spirit, within 3 months.

Another one could be the ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels with ease. That requires a blend of effective communication, stakeholder management and leadership presence. The benefit? Things get moving in the organization quickly, your (and your manager’s) visibility and opportunities skyrocket. 

2. How would that benefit your organization/manager? You can quote specific behaviour changes that can lead to results that improve the bottom line, results, etc. For e.g. if you have always been great as an individual contributor working mostly behind the scenes, but the next role requires you to steer a multicultural team working across disciplines, that’s going to take some heavy lifting. In a demanding environment, when you needed to be ready yesterday(!), the support of a coach can help you collapse timelines and get to your results faster.

Much like chugging on in a coal-powered train vs. getting there faster with an airplane. If you can show that gameplan, your manager can rest assured (and give you that promotion) knowing fully well that you will ramp up rapidly, and master your role faster than expected. 

3. What’s the return on investment, by when can they expect the results…and why should they care?

The pointers above are excellent, if I may say so myself, about showcasing what results to expect and highlighting the ROI. I’m reminded of a client (senior leader reporting into the Board of Directors at a Fortune 100 firm) who approached me as she was struggling with a turnkey project, rapidly losing stakeholder trust and struggling to find the budget and support to deliver the high-profile project she was entrusted with.

We worked on many aspects, but 3 were key to the fast turn around: 1) How she managed her time/energy/priorities - that spilled over into the team’s productivity as well, as she mentored her team with the frameworks/mindset shifts/insights that we discussed in our 1:1 sessions (talk about ROI multiplying across the team) 2) Strengthening her self-identity that helped her establish a strong leadership personal - powerful, influential, confident. She no longer hid herself behind the scenes but showed up as an active ambassador of her project, team and self 3) Stakeholder relationships. Within a matter of 6 weeks, she turned cold stakeholders into warm allies, strengthened existing relationships and won over key members of the board - authentic relationships, centred on win-win. As a result, she overdelivered on her project ahead of time, and the project was a huge success that was quoted industry-wide on a global level. How's that for an ROI?! And that too, within 6 months of our coaching engagement.

Your turn. Take 30 minutes to reflect and create 3-5 bullet points that'll help you present a strong case to your management. Remember: keep it crisp, relevant and results focused.

That's how you take ownership over your growth, career and life goals. Well, I would say don't wait for someone else to invest in you, do it yourself. But if that's not possible this red hot minute for whatever reason, don't hesitate to approach your organization. Afterall, the results are there for everyone to see and experience: for e.g., when you follow my signature "Leaders RISE Accelerator" pathway while coaching with me, we deliver multiple times the initial investment, within 3-6 months.

Oh! And let me tell you something that could happen. Your inner voice, at this moment, might want you to play small, not ask for it, incase your manager thinks you're asking for too much? Well, that's the attitude that has held you back so far isn't it? If you feel it in your gut that it's the right thing to do, go for it. Ask your manager. You have nothing to lose, and a lot to gain.

If you need my help putting together this "proposal", let me know. I've helped hundreds of leaders move past their challenges and into careers and impact that they desire, much to the delight of their managers and organizations. I'd be happy to help you and be a part of your ascension plan. Onwards & upwards!