The ABCs of Coaching
While much has been written on the topic of coaching, there are some basic ideas to consider in any lane of coaching. Consider these:
Attitude. Check your own attitude first. Am I giving my best self today? Have I cleared my head of my own challenges and issues? Do I have my own agenda, or am I facing this client with a clean slate, and preparing myself to listen with intent? No matter what I am facing in my personal arena, I owe it to my client to approach a session with my heart in the right place, and my mind clear of any preconceived notions of what our conversation will be today. This may require me to have a time of solitude prior to meeting with my client. I choose to offer them my best self mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and be fully present.
Be open to instruction. Have a teachable spirit. No matter how much education you receive, there is no replacement for experience. Learning takes place continuously, and I learn from books, other coaches, teachers of the trade and the faith, and most especially from my clients. They are my best teachers. Because I am a marriage coach, I study relationships, and understand through my clients there is more than one way to have a great marriage. Spend a lot of time with others whom you know are better than you are in the field of coaching. Learn from their experience, and ask a lot of curiosity questions to build a repertoire of knowledge and understanding in your field.
Consider taking risks. If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get the same results. Think outside the box, and take a risk to be different than the average. When you take a risk, know that sometimes you will fail. “Failure is simply a price we pay to achieve results.” John Maxwell. Three years ago I took a risk and added a program to my coaching business that was out of my comfort zone. Three years later it is more successful than any approach I had taken to date, but it required me to step outside the box and think differently about how to help people achieve the marriage they desired to have. I had to sacrifice time and invest in myself in order to grow the coaching business I desired to have.
Determine to be well-balanced. Be intentional about your self-care. If you do not take care of yourself, it will not be long before you burn out.
Are you taking care of yourself physically by eating well, getting the sleep you need, and participating in an exercise program?
Are you taking care of yourself mentally by reading good material, engaging in educational opportunities, exchanging ideas with others in your field, and challenging yourself to grow in knowledge and wisdom?
Are you taking care of yourself emotionally by keeping company with those who foster positivity into you, who encourage you to be your best self? Are you attempting to listen to and understand yourself emotionally, or are you avoiding what your emotions are trying to tell you?
Are you taking care of yourself spiritually by disengaging from your normal routine, and refreshing yourself through solitude and reflection? Are you fellowshipping with others who believe like you believe? Are you keenly aware of your calling and purpose in life?
As you reflect on the coming year in your coaching business, consider the ABCs of Coaching: Have a great Attitude, Be open to instruction, Consider taking risks, and Determine to be well-balanced!
About the Author
Cindy Jacob Southworth is a marriage and relationship coach, certified through the American Assn of Christian Counselors and a member of the International Christian Coaching Assn. Cindy is a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer, and coach. She and her husband David are the owners of Breakwater Coaching.