The word “coach” is misunderstood.
When you hear the word “coach,” what comes to mind?
For years, when I told people what I did, they would ask, “Which sport?” I don’t get that too much anymore.
Some equate coaching with -fixing- someone. In fact, when I suggested to one client I work with one of their team members for a few months., they said, “I’ll tell them its training.” He didn’t want to use the “Coach” word.
Others think I’m a motivational guru. I don’t think so. If I need to motivate you, this implies you don’t want to do “it” in the first place.
You might be in the right business, company, or position. Though for some reason, you’ve lost your mojo.
Perhaps you need another perspective. How about, let’s create the business or role you’ve always wanted. Then, you won’t need to be motivated. You’ll be alive!
As a business coach, I partner with people who’ve tasted success and want more.
Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, eloquently describes one of the best pieces of advice he’s ever received:
As Eric says, we’re never good at seeing ourselves as others do.
I make observations about clients all the time and many are surprised by what I see. This creates a shift for them.
I experience this first hand with my coach. She points out the obvious, when I can’t see the forest for the trees.
So, what does this other perspective provide?
A coach gets you to where you want to go, quicker.
If you hired a coach for you or someone on your team, and you/they received ginormous value, what would you/they want to work on first?
My coach was very valuable in helping me explore a different perspective, and by recieving encouragement. This gave me the confidence to take a step forward. And when I entered the coaching relationship it wasn’t in the place of “there is something wrong with me.” I wanted to go from where I was to forward……
Well said Rodeth.
The coaching profession is flourishing as we speak.
I’m glad to know you as one of my peers.
Thanks for your comment.
My coach helps me pair down the mumble jumble to what’s really important me and my growth. The basics of who I am.
One of my favorite quotes is by John Maeda from his book, The Laws of Simplicity —“ Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful.”
I agree Steve. As coaches we deepen the awareness for the client as to what’s important.
Simplicity. Another great comment. This is very similar to Gallwey’s Inner Game formula:
Performance = Potential – Interference
Reduce interference to increase performance.