Why coaching supports professional development

There are a plethora of ways in which today's professionals can continue learning and developing. Some attend peer support groups or events organised by their professional bodies, whilst others choose formal training leading to certificates, diplomas or degrees.

Many of these opportunities are now available online, often at low cost or even free of charge through initiatives such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), offered by organisations including The Open University.

Learning is only the beginning

The ability to learn and develop is essential if professionals are to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

However, perhaps even more important is helping people learn how to learn.

Increasingly, educators and employers need to help professionals:

• Take ownership of their career development.
• Understand their own learning style.
• Reflect on and apply their learning.

As Steve Hill, Director of External Engagement at The Open University, has said, learning needs to become more accessible and more contextualised.

In other words, learning becomes far more valuable when we can apply it in real-life situations. Experience transforms learning into practical knowledge and it is that practical knowledge that professionals are ultimately valued and rewarded for.

The role of coaching

One of the most effective ways of helping professionals apply new knowledge is through a focused coaching programme.

Drawing on previous and current business experience, a coach can help clients develop the confidence to put new skills into practice rather than simply learning them in theory.

Coaching bridges the gap between learning and doing.

Coaching creates personalised development

A coaching programme normally begins by agreeing on clear outcomes or goals.

It may also include elements of mentoring, allowing the coach to observe the client in action and develop a deeper understanding of how they learn most effectively.

This strengthens the coaching relationship and enables the coach to help create a tailored Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plan that reflects both the individual's career aspirations and preferred learning style.

Turning learning into action

As well as helping shape a personalised CPD plan, the coach provides encouragement and support when the learning process becomes challenging.

Trying new things can often bring uncertainty, frustration or anxiety.

A skilled coach helps clients recognise these emotional responses, work through them and turn them into positive action.

Some coaches describe this as becoming "effectively effective."

Ultimately, professional development is about much more than acquiring knowledge.

It is about developing the confidence to apply that knowledge, continually improving your skills and taking ownership of your own career journey.