Learn to Be Your Own Career Coach

Coaching helps us understand ourselves, uncover new options, and get unstuck in our careers, but not everyone has the opportunity to work with a professional coach. Fortunately, regardless of your experience or expertise, you can learn to be your own career coach.

It’s all about asking yourself the right questions. They should start with who, what, why, where, when, or how, and shouldn’t have a yes-or-no answer. For example, instead of “Do I enjoy my job?” reframe the inquiry in an open way: “What do I enjoy about my job?” This will give you more insight to work with.

Also, focus on ownership and always include “I.” Instead of, “How has that person progressed more quickly than me?” the question becomes, “How could I accelerate my progression?” If you find yourself blaming other people or external factors when coaching yourself, it’s a signal that you need to refocus on what you can control.

And avoid question “stacking,” where you ask multiple questions at the same time. So instead of, “Why am I missing deadlines and feeling so out of control of my time?” ask and answer each question in turn. One-at-a-time questioning will generate more options and actions you can take to positively shape your career.

This tip is adapted from “How to Become Your Own Career Coach,” by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis

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