How to Get Your Company to Pay for Coaching
Lately, I've been hearing this a lot: "I really want to work with you. Do you think I can get my boss to pay for this?"
And the answer is YES. 100% YES!
My clients have found success positioning coaching as a value-add for the company, and if you've been lurking around the application to work together because you're unsure how to make it work financially, here's a script you can use to ask your organization to foot the bill for you:
How to Ask Your Boss to Pay for Personal Development
**BEGIN SCENE**
(YOU, a motivated employee, and your BOSS, MR. SMITH, in their office)
YOU: (Confidently but respectfully) Good morning, Mr. Smith. I hope you're doing well today.
MR. SMITH: (Mildly surprised) Good morning! Yes, I am. What can I do for you?
YOU: I wanted to discuss a professional development opportunity that I believe would greatly benefit both myself and the company. I've been considering working with a confidence coach.
MR. SMITH: (Interested) A confidence coach? What exactly would that entail?
YOU: A confidence coach is a professional who helps individuals build self-awareness, improve communication skills, and enhance overall confidence. I believe it would help me become more effective in my role, boost my productivity, and contribute to the success of our team.
MR. SMITH: I see. How do you propose this will directly benefit the company?
YOU: Well, with increased clarity and confidence, I would be more proactive in taking on and managing challenging tasks while suggesting innovative ideas. This could lead to improved problem-solving, higher quality work, and greater efficiency. In turn, it would positively impact our team's performance and contribute to achieving our goals.
MR. SMITH: That does sound promising. How much would it cost?
YOU: I've done some research, and the average cost for a certified confidence coach is around $500 per session. I believe a package of 12 sessions over a period of 6 months should provide me with substantial results.
MR. SMITH: (Concerned about the cost) That's a significant investment. How can we ensure it's worth it?
YOU: I completely understand the concern about the investment. To mitigate the risk, I suggest starting with a trial period of 6 sessions. After that, we can assess the impact on my performance and productivity. If you find tangible improvements in my work and team contributions, I would like to propose continuing the coaching with your approval.
MR. SMITH: (Hesitant but curious) Alright, I'm open to considering it. But can't you work on this on your own?
YOU: While I've been working on self-improvement, a coach can provide tailored guidance and personalized techniques to address my specific challenges and goals. I've found the right coach for me—I'll send over her website. Their expertise and objective perspective can lead to faster and more substantial growth. Besides, the investment in my professional development is an investment in the company's success.
MR. SMITH: You make some valid points. Let me think about it and discuss with HR. If we go ahead, we'll need to establish clear performance metrics to gauge the impact of the coaching.
YOU: Of course, Mr. Smith. I appreciate your consideration and assure you that I'll be fully committed to making the most of this opportunity.
MR. SMITH: Alright, let's touch base again next week. I'll have an answer for you by then.
YOU: Thank you for your time and consideration, Mr. Smith. I look forward to our next discussion.
(You and Mr. Smith shake hands, and you leave the office)
(**ONE WEEK LATER**)
(You return to Mr. Smith's office for a follow-up discussion)
YOU: (Excited) Good morning, Mr. Smith. I hope you've had a great week.
MR. SMITH: (With a smile) Good morning, I've had some time to consider your proposal, and I think it's worth giving it a try. We'll start with a trial period of 6 sessions. Let's set up a meeting with HR to discuss the logistics and performance metrics.
YOU: (Grateful) Thank you so much, Mr. Smith. I'm confident that this opportunity will have a positive impact on my performance, and I won't disappoint you.
MR. SMITH: I believe in investing in our employees' growth, and I hope this coaching will help you reach your full potential. Keep me updated on your progress.
YOU: Absolutely, Mr. Smith. I'll keep you informed throughout the process.
(You shake hands, and leave the office with a sense of accomplishment)
**END OF SCENE**
So what do you think? You're ready to take the leap together, aren't you? Comment below and let me know when you're gonna talk to your boss so I can cheer you on!