Creative Career Coaching

Synopsis

Creative Career Coaching: Theory into Practice is an innovative book for career development students and professionals aiming to creatively progress their coaching practice. Without losing sight of fundamental coaching values and practices, it encourages career development professionals to adapt their practice by harnessing imagination, intuition and critical reflection to engage clients.

Hambly and Bomford consider the usefulness of creativity alongside traditional coaching models to reach "harder to help" groups. They consider a whole-brain approach to creativity, emphasising the need for coaches to adapt their client-facing skills for individual cases. They work through how clients make career decisions, how to use labour market information to motivate clients, how to frame a creative coaching session using techniques such as metaphor, visualisation and role play, how to use practical tools and techniques to resolve a client's individual needs, and how to deliver on digital platforms. Combining the latest neuroscientific research with activities, summaries and case studies, this book provides a practical, skills-based approach to coaching.

Creative Career Coaching: Theory into Practice is the first book to summarise the Creative Career Coaching Model. It will be an indispensable resource for students of career development, career coaching, coaching psychology and advice and guidance courses. It will also be of interest to career coaches in practice seeking to enhance their skills.

About the Publisher

Routledge

Routledge is the world's leading academic publisher in the Humanities and Social Sciences. We publish thousands of books and journals each year, serving scholars, instructors, and professional communities worldwide. Our current publishing programme encompasses groundbreaking textbooks and premier, peer-reviewed research in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Built Environment. We have partnered with many of the most influential societies and academic bodies to publish their journals and book series. Readers can access tens of thousands of print and e-books from our extensive catalogue of titles. Routledge is a member of Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Creative Career Coaching Process

* Summary: Outlines the structured approach to creative career coaching, including the initial assessment, goal setting, action planning, and evaluation.
* Example: A creative writer who wants to transition to a freelance career might undergo an assessment to identify their skills, values, and goals. The coach would then help them develop an action plan that includes networking, portfolio building, and marketing strategies.

Chapter 2: Assessing Creativity and Career Potential

* Summary: Examines various tools and techniques for assessing creativity and career potential, such as personality inventories, skill assessments, and performance reviews.
* Example: A graphic designer might take a creativity test that measures their divergent thinking, originality, and ability to visualize. The results can help the coach identify areas of strength and potential development.

Chapter 3: Supporting the Creative Process

* Summary: Explores techniques to enhance creativity, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and visualization. The chapter also discusses how coaches can provide emotional support and encouragement.
* Example: A musician facing a creative block might benefit from brainstorming sessions with their coach. The coach can facilitate discussions, encourage experimentation, and help the musician overcome obstacles.

Chapter 4: Developing Creative Careers

* Summary: Provides guidance on career planning, resume writing, and job searching for creative professionals. The chapter emphasizes the importance of tailoring applications to the specific industry and promoting creativity through portfolio presentations.
* Example: A photographer applying for a magazine job might work with their coach to create a compelling portfolio that showcases their unique style and perspective. The coach can also assist in tailoring their resume to highlight their relevant skills and experiences.

Chapter 5: Managing Creative Work and Career Transitions

* Summary: Addresses challenges related to managing creative work, including self-discipline, time management, and financial planning. The chapter also discusses strategies for navigating career transitions and embracing change.
* Example: A dancer considering starting their own dance company might seek guidance from their coach on financial planning and budgeting. The coach can provide support and advice on how to manage the responsibilities of leadership and entrepreneurship.

Chapter 6: Ethical and Cultural Considerations

* Summary: Discusses ethical guidelines for creative career coaching, including confidentiality, respect for diversity, and promoting social justice. The chapter emphasizes the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity.
* Example: A coach working with a group of culturally diverse artists might facilitate discussions on the challenges and opportunities of inclusivity in the creative industry. The coach can also provide guidance on how to create safe and supportive spaces for underrepresented artists.

Chapter 7: The Future of Creative Career Coaching

* Summary: Explores emerging trends and future directions for creative career coaching, such as the role of technology, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the need for lifelong learning. The chapter emphasizes the importance of adaptability and innovation in the coaching profession.
* Example: Coaches might utilize virtual reality platforms to facilitate immersive career exploration experiences for their clients. They can also incorporate artificial intelligence tools to enhance assessment and provide personalized feedback.