Professional coaching, even though it was not so popular a couple of decades ago, has now become essential in every corporate setting, driving organisations and their employees towards success. Whether it’s helping employees unlock their full potential or fostering leadership within teams, coaching plays a commendable role in enhancing workplace efficiency. But what exactly is professional coaching, and how does it lead to a more productive and engaged workforce?

In this blog article, we will explain to you everything you need to know about professional coaching, how it uplifts the workforce of an organisation, and the pathway to becoming a certified ICF coach.

Professional Coaching Is More Than Just Guidance 

When you take the gist of it, professional coaching is a structured process that helps individuals achieve their personal and professional goals. In coaching, the coach works closely with choachees, guiding them through self-discovery, performance improvement, and skill-building. Professional coaching goes beyond giving advice or instructions; it is a collaborative process that enables individuals to realise their capabilities and find their own solutions to overcome challenges in their personal and professional lives.

Coaching comes in two types. Personal coaching focuses on individual growth, while professional coaching targets career development, workplace productivity, and leadership skills. Organisations nowadays put a lot of weight on professional coaching because it can ultimately lead to significant improvements in an organisation’s efficiency by boosting employee morale, engagement, and productivity.

 5 Ways Professional Coaching Enhances Workplace Efficiency 

1. Improves Employee Performance

Professional coaching helps employees set clear, achievable goals and provides the necessary tools to reach them. Coaches guide individuals through performance evaluation, helping them identify areas for improvement and strategies to overcome challenges. By increasing accountability and motivation, coaching leads to better performance, driving workplace efficiency.

2. Strengthens Leadership Skills

Corporate leaders often face complex challenges that require critical decision-making and strong interpersonal skills. Through ICF-certified coaching programmes, they can refine their management techniques, communication styles, and emotional intelligence- which will result in better decision-making and stronger leadership across the board.

3. Enhances Team Collaboration

Coaching fosters better communication and collaboration within teams. By improving their coaching skills, managers and employees alike can improve how they interact with each other, promoting a culture of trust and teamwork. Effective collaboration helps streamline processes and reduces the likelihood of workplace conflicts. This results in more efficient operations.

4. Increases Employee Engagement

Employee engagement directly affects productivity and the commitment of the workforce. Through coaching, employees feel more empowered and valued as they receive personalised attention and growth opportunities. This boosts their engagement levels, which, in turn, leads to innovation and efficiency.

5. Promotes Growth and Professional Development

Professional coaching is a long-term investment. It equips employees with the skills they need for a successful career journey. Coaching and professional development programmes provide individuals with opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. This creates a more skilled and adaptable workforce, contributing to the overall success and efficiency of the organisation.

How To Become A Professional Coach? 

Whether you are a decision-maker in your organisation, work in the HR department, or are an aspiring individual looking to enhance your leadership skills and career prospects, you can start your coaching journey with a well-recognised coaching course. The most recognised credentials for coaches are offered by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). To become a certified ICF coach, you must complete an ICF coaching certification programme that aligns with ICF’s high standards.

Partnered with SkillsFuture Singapore, NTUC LearningHub offers a plethora of ICF-certified coaching programmes, such as the Khrysalis Coaching Series– which includes 3 modules: ‘The Coaching Essentials’, ‘The Developing Coach’, and ‘The Practising Coach’. The pathway to becoming a globally recognised coach includes four main steps:

1. Complete the 3 modules of the Krysalis series.
2. Clock in 100 hours of coaching experience with a minimum of 75 hours of paid work.
3. Pass the ICF Certification Exam.
4. Achieve the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential.

 Where To Begin Your Coaching Journey? 

NTUC LearningHub offers a clear pathway to becoming a certified ICF coach. You can simply begin by enrolling in ‘The Coaching Essentials’ course which covers the first module of the Krysalis series. Then, you may proceed to the second module by enrolling in ‘The Developing Coach’ course. Upon completion of the first two coaching courses, you may follow ‘The Practising Coach’ course and prepare yourself for industrial training and the ICF certification exam. Whether you are starting or switching to a coaching profession, enhancing your leadership skills to guide your team, or looking for a learning opportunity for your employees in coaching, NTUC LearningHub’s coaching training can provide you with a strong foundation in coaching and the knowledge and skills to attain the ICF certification.

Invest In Professional Coaching And Take Your Organisation’s Productivity A Step Forward 

Proper coaching is a cornerstone of an organisation’s long-term sustainability. It has an impact on all aspects of a workplace, from productivity to employee retention. For individuals, gaining an ICF coaching certification can boost their personal growth as well as their career prospects. For corporate decision-makers, facilitating coaching training programmes for their employees can build strong leadership internally, boosting productivity, efficiency, and success in the long run.

Would you like to learn more about professional coaching? Visit NTUC LearningHub’s website and explore the best coaching training opportunities in Singapore!