Successfully coping with conflicting internal politics was a big part of this first phase of coaching. Try understanding management and corporate direction was one of the goals. Dealing with the interpersonal conflicts and related stresses was another. In my particular situation things did not work out and I eventually left my job. A second phase started then, filled with new challenges and sources of stress.

Fear is rampant at his time; catastrophic thinking and an attitude of scarcity tend to prevail. Anger and resentment are also part of the process and need to be addressed. Hopelessness and despair are also common and manifest in anguish and depression.

I have been through all of that and I have learned so much in the process.

I took the hardest way and decided for a career change instead of staying in my field of expertise. The risk taking and following my newfound passion gave me the energy to re-create a new future and myself. I have found that the best way to coach people in career transition is a multifaceted holistic approach.

Let me explain.

RELATIONSHIPS

It is important to use all the skills of relationship coaching; spouses are strongly impacted by the job loss of the partner and couples’ coaching is very beneficial.

Loneliness, accompanied by isolation, are two important issues that need to be addressed and group coaching helps the clients see that they are not alone, not the only ones going through this and that other “good” people are going through the same.

GROUPS

Group coaching also helps clients getting out of their own minds see how others are dealing with the situation and extend to help the people around them while allowing themselves to receive help from others. Often long-term friendships among clients come from the group coaching process.

INDIVIDUAL

Individual coaching is the foundation and is so important to keep everything on track. The holistic approach at the individual level is critical; the stress level is very high in this special time. Mind, body and spirit need to be strengthened through techniques specifically addressing each of these three aspects.

Helping the client make a shift and take absolute “selfish” care of themselves instead of focusing exclusively on the job search is crucial. All the negative elements take a toll on the mind, heart and body.

MIND

Becoming aware and identifying the saboteur inside is the first step. Discovering and defining the gremlin’s work (the saboteur) and its deleterious effect comes next.  Moving to positive thinking is the last step.

The most important result in this process is shifting from worrying about the future and regretting the past to live in the present focusing on the task at hand understanding that finding a job is a process made of small steps and projects.

The goal is going through this “process”, the goal is not finding employment.

At this stage negativity and failure are not options. Positive attitudes will bring positive outcomes; it is possible that those will turn out to be different from the client’s original expectations but none-the-less positive. There are no failures, only learning experiences. Opportunities are everywhere and, there where those are lacking, positive attitude will create new ones.

BODY

There is a tendency to neglect the body and its health when overwhelmed by the preoccupation of “income”. It is easy to succumb to disease if bombarded by negativity and a sense of worthlessness both from the inside and the outside. Regular checkups, various forms of exercising, healthy foods and good habits are part of the coaching process to ensure that the body is strong and a sense of physical well-being is maintained.

SPIRIT

Heart and soul is the realm of emotions and are fueled by the thoughts, which come from our brain. Some of the latest researches on the heart have demonstrated that there are neurons (brain cells) around our heart and that he two are connected.

The “Heartmath” technique, which I have been practicing for the past year, teaches breathing and focusing on feelings of appreciation to calm the heart and clear the mind.

Emotional Intelligence is also important in understanding our emotional reactions and shifts them to positive anabolic energy of “loving force”.

Emotional detachment from the final outcome is crucial because so often the job search is filled with rejections. When taken personally those kill the client’s confidence and are looked at as failures. The ability to reframe those “bad” experiences into “learning” opportunities is a lifesaver for the client.

SKILLS

The “external” part of individual coaching is more like a consultant approach and deals with the preparation of cover letters, resumes, interviewing skills, employers, recruiters, internet searches, networking, image and sets of techniques aimed at addressing all of the above in a tailored package for each individual client. Personal branding, the concept of adding value and leveraging unique skills are important steps in the process. It is a process of self-discovery, knowing themselves and their capabilities is followed by self-confidence and beyond that, the ability to project power.

CONCLUSION

Career coaching does not end with the landing of a job; today’s economy requires workers to be capable of living and striving within change.

Gone are the days of job security, things move fast and clients need to develop new sets of skills to help them deal with ambiguity and uncertainty.

This means developing a new inner-self and it is a wonderful opportunity for a coach; it is wonderful to coach individuals toward transformation and there is no better time.

As I often say to my clients: ‘it is the best thing that could ever happen to you”. I coach their greatness and show them their new developed traits and strengths.