When you look at a top-performing athlete, it’s not surprising to learn they have at least one coach who assists them in being their best. The reason they need guidance isn’t that these athletes aren’t talented or don’t work hard. The simple fact is a coach brings knowledge, wisdom, and perspective that is hard to achieve when the athlete is performing. The coach helps the athlete get the best results much faster than trial and error.
Just like amazing athletes, business professionals have many avenues they can pursue to get to the top of their game. They can listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos, attend classes, read books, and employ trial and error. But, those who reach the top of their game likely have expert assistance. That is the role of a business coach.
A business coach has the perspective to see where your business currently is and where it could go. A coach has the knowledge and experience to help you prioritize what to do next and how to break large goals into manageable pieces. The longer you work together, the quicker the coach sees where you are headed and helps you choose the option that best serves your business. Each tiny adjustment takes you closer to achieving the goals that your coach helped you refine.
People often assume that only new businesses need assistance. The reality is that businesses generally need help in many places. Here are a few examples:
Navigating Big Changes. Are you launching a new product, adding a new division, experiencing significant growth, or experiencing a turnover in one or more significant leadership positions? Big changes increase organizational stress. They ask that people learn to do things differently. Some people enjoy the experience while others are stressed, and a few even resist the changes by attempting to keep doing what has always worked in the past. A coach helps you and your organization navigate the change.
Changes in the Marketplace. There are times when a successful business realizes what has previously worked isn’t working now. Change is needed for continued success, but knowing what to do can be incredibly difficult because it is hard to get enough perspective to have the big picture view. A coach can help you explore new options so you can confidently decide what to change and how to implement the change in the most helpful, least stressful way.
My Departments Don’t Work Well Together. Each employee in your organization has specific tasks to do and their own perspective on how things “should” work. When there is conflict, how do you do your job and sort out the processes that are creating the disconnect? A coach can help!
My Business Has Taken Over My Life. If you can’t remember the last time you totally took a break from work or you don’t know what to do with time off (and feel guilty about things you aren’t doing because your business always comes first), it is time for a coach! You will define boundaries for yourself, including where to delegate tasks to someone else so you can experience downtime. This is especially important if you and/or your employees are experiencing burnout as a result of your company culture.
If you aren’t sure if a business coaching relationship is right for you, schedule a complimentary Strategy Session to learn more. You’ll walk away with a few tips and the facts about coaching so you can make an informed decision about whether or not coaching is right for you.
Charlise Latour a business coach and owner of Accelerate Your Success. She works with each client to determine what their goals are and create a plan so they can achieve them. She is actively involved in Dancing & Singing With The King which raises money to promote dance education including working with local schools to offer dance classes during the school day. This is a natural fit as she is an avid ballroom dancer.
