Do You Need a Communication Coach? by Steve Adubato, Ph.D.

Many professionals wonder if getting a communication coach will really help them at work and at home. The short answer is yes. However, people approach this subject from a variety of perspectives. Some are excited and open to learning new communication tools and techniques. Others are dragged kicking and screaming into coaching and do it only “because my boss forced me.” Still others would like to try coaching, but are extremely fearful of the unknown and wind up doing nothing.

Q—If someone really wants to get communication coaching or training, what are the first steps?

A—Decide who is going to pay for it. Is your company or organization willing to invest in your professional development? If you are unsure, be proactive and ask someone in HR or your direct supervisor. Regardless of who is paying, check out the International Association of Coaches Web site at www.certifiedcoach.org and see who specializes in the field of communication or presentation skills. Then meet with a few potential coaches and see who you make a connection with. It’s kind of like choosing a therapist. There are a lot of professionals with great credentials, but chemistry is the key since you will be spending a lot of time together.

Q—But what if my company says they won’t pay for this coaching? Should I pursue it on my own?

A—I will answer that question with some other questions. Does it really matter to you to improve your communication skills? Are you dissatisfied with the way you communicate at work and at home? Are you open to the idea of getting constructive and sometimes difficult to hear feedback and/or criticism? Are you really willing to put the work and effort necessary into being the best communicator you can be? Finally, is there a specific career or personal goal or objective that may be difficult to achieve without improving your communication skills? If the answer to some or all of these questions is ‘yes’ it may be worth making this investment in yourself.

Q—But I am a pretty successful communicator now. Why would I need additional coaching or training if I think I am good enough?

A—Consider this. You may be okay now, but what happens as you take on new responsibilities in your professional life? Often these responsibilities require that you have more advanced or sophisticated communication and/or presentation skills. I’ve worked with CPAs who want to become CFOs but don’t get the job because key decision makers aren’t confident of their ability to present to the board of directors or key stakeholders in the company.

Thinking that your communication skills are good enough is the wrong approach. No one is good enough. Is Tiger Woods good enough? The reason he is the best golfer is because he is never really satisfied. He knows that he can always do better. It is also why he has a coach to give him constructive feedback and advice. If more professionals had that same philosophy they would be a lot more successful.

Q—Can’t I be my own communication coach?

A—Maybe, but you need a strong framework to start from. If you want or have to go it alone, I suggest that for any presentation you are asked to make (or any other communication scenario) ask and answer these four critical questions; What’s my main message and can I make it in one statement? Where is my passion? What will really motivate my audience? What exactly is my call to action? You CAN coach yourself, but it is always better to have someone else pushing you. Finally, you can become a much better communication coach to yourself after you’ve worked with a professional in the field.

Dr. Steve Adubato coaches and speaks on the subjects of communication and leadership and is the author of the book "Speak from the Heart." Write to him at The Star-Ledger, 1 Star-Ledger Plaza, Newark, NJ 07102, or click here to contact him through this web site.