Wikipedia defines "coaching" as "a method of directing, instructing and training a person or group of people, with the aim to achieve some goal or develop specific skills." That doesn't sound bad at all; each one of us needs some guidance from time to time. But then again, there are some of us who are too proud to accept any type of help, believing that we can do it all on our own and that we don't need help from anybody. Which is why for these people, coaching is something opted for by those who have no control over their lives and careers and desperately need someone to tell them what they do.

Nothing could be further from the truth. A coach merely steers you along as you make your way to your goal and provides advice and insight as well. You're not handing over control of your life at all, just getting some words of wisdom that you should consider in your journey.

Coaches are particularly helpful in one's career, whether you're thinking of making a big change or you're eyeing the plum position in your office. A career or executive coach will help train you to bag the prize. Keep in mind that your career coach doesn't do everything for you. It is simply up to him or her to give you a nudge in the right direction. All the work is entirely in your hands.

Truth be told, there are a lot of coaches out there. How do you find one? And when you've found coaches, how do you pick one?

Predictably, the Internet and the Yellow Pages are rich with the number of available career coaches. Use your own discernment to determine if they are trained in your field and also learn what type of coaching they do. When you have a list of potential career coaches already, call them up and set an appointment to meet them.

During your meeting, try to learn more about them: if they are certified, what sort of training they undergo, their experience, why they chose to become coaches, and if they can give you examples of lives and careers they've transformed in a positive way. This is a good opportunity for you to observe the personality of each coach you meet with.

This is a question that makes many people think. Once you have the career management or business coach you've been looking for, how do you know that he or she is really the one you need?

First of all, a good coach doesn't reprimand you or make you feel foolish. He or she is always ready and eager to hear from you and learn more about what you've been going through. A good coach also opens your eyes to new opportunities that suit you, but which you've never considered before. You can also rely on your coach to be organized and map out a strategy for you.

Keep in mind that your executive coach can be your friend, too, but you shouldn't expect him or her to handhold you through every challenge. Initially, as you get your feet wet, you can expect support and encouragement, but your coach won't always be around so as to give you an opportunity to test your abilities and learn.

And to continue the title's question, "Don't you know yourself better than anyone? So why rely on someone you don't really know all that well?"

There's the problem: You know yourself so well, so much that you are comfortably talking your way out of any plans and not risk disappointing anybody at all. With a career coach, you would feel more responsible to take action in your work and not just leave your plans for later. Your executive coach will constantly be pushing you and evaluating your achievements.

What's more, a career coach with an understanding of your field or industry will help figure out what steps you need to take, and, because you'll be sharing your own details with the coach, he or she will be able to help you target opportunities that you are most capable of achieving.

Not yet ready for an in-depth, one-on-one coaching session? You can always attend seminars and talks that address career concerns. These events are not only facilitated by life coaches, but also those who aim to give people confidence in tackling their careers. Look up coaching workshop in your area or the neighboring city and register.