The theory behind coaching is simple. An individual might hire a personal trainer to help him develop and follow a fitness plan. A professional hires a coach to help clarify professional and personal goals and create an action plan for reaching these goals. Along the way, the coach provides support and serves as a resource to the professional. The coach also helps the individual move past roadblocks so the individual can achieve the right balance in his or her life and make appropriate changes necessary to achieve this balance.
Attorneys are good subjects for coaching because they are results-oriented professionals.
But like most busy professionals, it is hard for attorneys to consistently focus on things that are important, but not urgent. In addition, while attorneys may get good training in lawyering in the early years of practice, they are less likely to get career guidance or guidance in developing a book of business. Coaching picks up where traditional consulting leaves off. In a typical consulting relationship, a consultant will identify ways that you can achieve your desired objective. Sometimes a consultant will actually do the work for you.