How 1:1 coaching will benefit you

As a business etiquette consultant, I often get calls about 1:1 coaching. And these callers usually ask the question, “How will 1:1 coaching benefit me?”

Every working professional is unique in their skills, talents, abilities, and even emotional intelligence. Often these professionals find themselves at a place of wanting to move ahead in their careers or do a career pivot. However, often there are speed bumps slowing them down.

Speed bumps can be any number of things: poor communication skills, dealing with difficult people at work, or feeling inadequate in their “people and social skills.” Often, they simply just don’t feel ready enough for desired upward advancement or confidence in a new position he or she has moved into.

So, when I receive inquiries about 1:1 coaching, below are some benefits I share with prospective coaching clients:

   1. It’s good to get an outsider’s perspective.

Getting an outsider’s support and guidance is critical for any type of growth journey. It’s really no different than someone getting coaching to help them prepare for a marathon or to up their golf or tennis game. The coaching and honest feedback from an outside expert is invaluable for the growth journey.

In fact, several coachees shared with me that one of their best takeaways, was that they appreciated having someone “from outside the

company” to talk to and learn from. They valued the opportunity for honest and candid conversations in a non-intimidating environment of mutual trust and respect.

    2. 1:1 coaching is customized for each person in the areas for which they need the most refining.

For example, perhaps a person finds himself entertaining clients and prospects at business meals and want to polish their dining etiquette skills. Maybe, like a newly promoted CEO I coached, the person wants to grow their meet and greet skills so they can feel more confident in networking and building those important business relationships that are critical for success. Or, perhaps like two Executive Assistants I recently worked with, they want to be able to better represent the C-suite executives for whom they work.

Incidentally, 1:1 coaching really is a win-win.

Clearly, it enhances a person’s confidence and professionalism. But it’s also a win for their company—as they reflect on their company with a higher level of professional skills and impact.

Also, before finalizing a coaching contract, I do a pre-coaching assessment phone call with the prospective coachee. This helps me learn their specific needs and goals. Then, I customize the coaching specifically for their desired outcomes. Below are some of the specific topics that I’ve helped professionals with during 1:1 coaching:

• business dining etiquette skills
• professional attire
• body language
• email writing and phone skills
• interview skills
• honing their emotional intelligence (EQ) skills
• meeting and greeting skills such as handshaking, introducing others and making small talk.

And, not surprising, several of my international clients want 1:1 coaching to gain a better understanding of American business and dining etiquette. They want to fit in confidently with the American business culture and norms.

   3. Finally, one last but important benefit of 1:1 coaching is that there is flexibility in scheduling.

The coachee and I find mutually convenient times to work together. Coaching can be done in person (locally) or via Zoom. Sessions are held twice a month for 1.5-2 hours per session. This framework gives time in between sessions for the coachee to work on skills from the coaching session and then time to debrief at the next session. In addition, it allows time for new topics/concerns to be addressed as they arise during the coaching.

Clearly, 1:1 coaching has benefits for you. It empowers you to be your best professional self. And that’s a great reflection on your company or organization, too! If you’ve ever considered getting individual 1:1 coaching, perhaps the above benefits will help you make the decision to invest in yourself today.

You may also like to read: “The Business Meet & Greet: how to make small talk again.”

Rachel Wagner is a licensed business etiquette consultant, trainer, and speaker. She is the owner of the Oklahoma-based business etiquette firm Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol. 

Rachel provides onsite and LIVE virtual training on business and dining etiquette topics. She has corporate clients from many industries around the country. As an etiquette expert, she is interviewed and quoted in a variety of local and national media outlets. These include The Washington Post, MONEY, Forbes, and many more. She is also credentialed as a Virtual Event Professional and Zoom Producer.

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