As a coach, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with many professionals through significant transitions, whether it’s returning to work after a career break or stepping into new leadership roles. One concept that consistently makes a meaningful impact is self-efficacy. But what does it truly mean?
At its core, self-efficacy is about believing in our ability to accomplish a specific task or goal. It goes beyond mere confidence; it’s that quiet, steadfast assurance we cultivate within ourselves that whispers, “I can do this.” Nurturing this belief empowers us to face challenges with resilience and clarity, which is essential for thriving during professional transitions.
Consider a professional re-entering the workforce after a career break. It’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain about whether your skills are still relevant or if you can keep up with industry changes. Low self-efficacy can lead to hesitance in pursuing new opportunities. However, when you cultivate strong self-efficacy, you’re more inclined to embrace new projects, step up to challenges, and trust that you can learn and succeed.
Professor Albert Bandura, the psychologist behind the self-efficacy model, identified four key factors that strengthen this belief: Mastery Experiences, Vicarious Experiences, Verbal Persuasion, and Physiological and Affective States. These principles form the foundation of my Group Coaching for Returners programme. Through my research, particularly my MSc dissertation, I’ve witnessed how transformative self-efficacy can be in helping career returners regain confidence and flourish. It’s not merely about stepping back into the workplace; it’s about feeling empowered to do so, and the group setting naturally enhances self-efficacy.
In my Group Coaching for Returners programme, we explore these strategies within a supportive, collaborative environment, allowing participants to boost their self-efficacy and restore their professional confidence:
Mastery Experiences: We celebrate each success, no matter how small, by breaking larger goals into achievable steps. Each participant sets personal goals, and together we celebrate the “small wins” along the way, building confidence to tackle bigger challenges.
Vicarious Learning: Sharing stories of challenges and triumphs in a group setting fosters a sense of community and reinforces the belief that you, too, can succeed in your transition.
Verbal Persuasion: The encouragement and positive reinforcement from both the coach and peers create a nurturing environment that bolsters self-belief.
Managing Physical and Emotional Responses: Stress and anxiety are common during transitions. Our coaching sessions focus on recognising and managing these responses, ensuring participants feel prepared to handle new challenges effectively.
My research highlights the critical role of self-efficacy for career returners, helping them overcome self-doubt, reconnect with their strengths, and regain their footing. The Group Coaching for Returners programme is crafted to cultivate an environment where participants can flourish, building their self-efficacy step by step.
If you, or anyone you know, is interested in joining the Group Coaching for Returners programme, you can find more information here
If you’re navigating a professional transition, I would be delighted to explore how coaching can support you in regaining confidence and successfully embracing this new chapter. Feel free to reach out.
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