Cathy Liska 
Skill development is ongoing throughout our lives. Our families and schools support this and in the workplace many employers provide opportunities. Whether developing general life skills or specialized skills, a coach adds value. To back that statement up, look at the study done by the Personnel Management Association: training provides a 22% improvement and training plus coaching provides an 88% improvement. How does coaching make so much of a difference? Because a coach is like your GPS for direction, and works with you on how you personally will implement your learning, then serves as an accountability partner for keeping you on track.
What are methodologies for coaching as your GPS to skill development? Yes, there are multiple options for how to get there. To get started with a few directions, create a list of skills that are relevant and important for you to develop. Next rank your level of skill in each of these areas. Then prioritize developing the skills.
Another approach is to list both your strengths and weakness in different skills. Then choose one strength you want to continue developing, one weakness you want to develop, and identify one skill that directly impacts your success that you want to develop.
Working with a coach as you take these steps enhances your outcomes because the coach will help you clarify your thinking and expand your options.
Once you decide where you want to go, your coach works with you on how you will get there. Of course with skill development reading, researching, and training are obvious options. Coaches will initiate brainstorming experiential learning opportunities, create stretch learning opportunities, and will role play with you too. Coaches partner with you to strategize your application of information so you develop your skills.
