1. Why is a coach important?
Coaches provide structure to the enquiry. I learned from facilitation and even further back, from my experience managing manufacturing businesses, about the value of process. In manufacturing, you start with inputs (raw materials) and end with outputs (finished goods). To get this done consistently EVERY TIME, you must have a well-designed process. With coaching, the client comes with a problem, and our job is to help them find clarity out of their confusion. How do we get this? By a well-designed process.
Coaches create emotional space and so we can be objective. There’s nothing personal about coaching, except for the total interest in the good of the client. We are concerned with details to the extent that they help us get understanding of your issues, so that we can guide you to successful resolution.
2. How does someone know if they need a coach?
- When you know you want something vastly different for your life, but are not sure what, or how
- When you have tried everything and nothing works
- When you get feedback that indicates that you are not performing to par, or have some deficiencies that are not being addresses
Important point if you are in one of these places: it’s not the knowing, it’s the ASKING for help that stumps most people, particularly since I work with some massively successful people, who find it very difficult to acknowledge that they need help.
3. What is the one common myth about coaches that you want to debunk?
That we tell people what to do – we really don’t – it’s a process of guiding, questioning and allowing the client to work through the bushes and find their own path
4. Who coaches the coach?
I have many coaches. I had a general business coach for 5 years, but have taken a break for awhile. Now my coaches are geared to specific needs such as Social Media.
My DAILY self-care morning ritual sustains me and in a way, allows me the clarity to slef-reflect. This includes:
- Meditation: I doubled down in the pandemic and even became a Mindfulness Meditation teacher – you would be amazed at how many CEOs meditate! Meditation grounds me, stills my mind and refreshes my spirit. I am so much clearer and lighter after I meditate.
- Exercise – I have a practice of yoga and cardio that I aim to do every day.
- Journalling – I journal every day, using my journal to acknowledge what I am grateful for, to work out issues/challenges I am facing, to replay situations such as difficult interactions with others, to vision and plan and sometimes, to just muse about whatever comes to mind. I consider my journal my best friend
- Reading – I have always been an avid reader. I have at least 2 books going at any one time – a non-fiction i.e. business or spiritual book and fiction, usually short stories. I also spend time each weekend reading Harvard Business Review, The Economist. Have to keep my mind sharp for my very sharp clients!
5. What is the key requirement from the client?
In my years of coaching, the Number 1 requirement from my client is WILLINGNESS – to do the work, be open, face your fears, try new things, step outside your comfort zone, laugh at yourself
What other questions do YOU have about coaching? I will be happy to answer.
