Research Paper: Choosing Your Niche and The Benefits of a Laser Coaching Practice

A Research Paper created by Christine Tanaka
(Sales Coaching, UNITED STATES)

I chose to practice laser coaching in my supervised coaching sessions, which are a final requirement of graduating from coaching school.  I completed my supervised coaching and learned that I was mildly intimidated by how I was going to coach a person in 15- minutes and be graded on the criteria that was set for our assessment.   The outcome of the experience completely validated the concept of laser coaching and its place in my coaching practice.  I have discovered that the perfect amount of time for me to coach or to be coached falls somewhere between 15- 30 minutes.

In the ICA Coaching Manifesto we are asked to look at ourselves to be clear about our boundaries and our values as we work as a coach.  I have spent the last 2 years vacillating on the coaching niche I wanted to focus on.  I work in a corporate environment, and have used coaching as a way to set myself apart and be considered for management.  I have worked in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device world as a sales representative for over ten years.  During my sales career, I have been dismayed by the linear approach of management.  I learned that I did not aspire to be the type of manager or leader that would just go by a predetermined check list, regardless of the audience you are managing.   I wanted to learn to manage with a more human aspect and a customizable, well-rounded style. The world of business is changing and I the phrase “ emotional intelligence”  is over-used often. We are seeing a mental shift in the way we view the corporate ladder of achieving success and the way we support employees in their journey to success.  It is gradually becoming less linear.  Yet, there is still the element of “You listen and do what the boss says, regardless of the instruction’s sense”.

Coaching speaks to how you can help a person use their strengths and values to excel in their career.  A coach approach helps a manager relate more to their employees and makes the journey to success more personalized and less about the egocentric manager or the Company.   I learned I want to coach people in multiple areas of their lives and help them with health, happiness, balance, goal setting.  Ultimately this contributes to well-balanced, high achieving employees. I am confident that this approach will engage people in increased job satisfaction and higher performance levels.  Sales and Management coaching initially appeared to be the niche I was seeking.