When deciding whether to work with an internal versus external coach, consider the major upside and downside of each. Leveraging both is a tremendous advantage.
Internal versus External Coach – Game Changing Decision
A client contacted me about a game changing decision he’s facing. His message expresses the most important difference between an internal versus external coach.
Need to set up some time with you. Right now I have too many internal coaches and mentors. They’ve all been helpful, but now I need to get centered. Struggling to get there.
Kendrick lies awake at night, hearing a variety of voices inside his head. He reached out because the only investment I have, as an external coach, is that he makes the best possible decision. My work, as Kendrick so clearly states, is not to share my perspective or influence his decision. My work is to help him get centered, so HE can make the decision. At that point,
What’s needed most, is not another opinion. ~ A. Perschel
The external coach helps the client ground himself. Only then can he access his inner wisdom…and act on it.
Internal versus External Coach – The Real Skinny
Internal coaches and mentors can help you get the real skinny, the hidden truths aka political factors. When considering a new role, for example, it’s important to know:
- Why the role was created or vacated
- What’s it really like to work for so and so
- What’s the real potential of this new business venture
- Whether you’re viewed as a serious candidate with a good chance of landing the role, or
- You’re being granted an interview for other reasons and unlikely to land it
- What political consequences you might face if you turn down the offer
Unless the external coach is embedded, works with many clients over a long period, they’re unlikely to have access to this information.
Internal coaches have the advantage when it comes to helping you understand what’s above and below the organizational surface.
When someone knows the real skinny, they often have political skin in the game. They’ll have a point of view and an opinion about what you should do. This prevents the internal coach from acting completely on your self interest. They’re compass is skewed and not in a position to help you find your own center.
Internal versus External Coach – How to Make the Choice
You can have it all, or at least both an internal and external coach. What’s most important is knowing when you need one or the other.
If you need inside information you can’t readily access on your own or advice about the politics, internal coaches and mentors are often your best bet. Choose your external coach when you need to:
- Get centered
- Focus on what’s most important
- Align with your highest aspirations
- Access what you know but don’t know it yet
- Remove obstacles to your inner wisdom