In 2010, I got a coach, two actually. And it’s been a great benefit to my business and my sanity.
One of my coaches is a benefit of being WIC’s president: a WIC member donates her coaching services to support me during my tenure. She holds me accountable, provides feedback, and is a wonderful sounding board for different ideas. Would I’ve been a good president without her? I’d like to think so. Am I a better president because I’m working with her? Most definitely! Thanks Angel (Rampy)!
My other coach, Kate Purmal, does 1:1 coaching, but she also does group coaching. That’s the approach I’m taking, and I LOVE it!
Coaching Isn’t Just for the Stuck, Overwhelmed, or Uncertain
Many people I know think a coach is needed when progress has stalled. Quite the contrary.
The more driven and successful you are, the more important a coach becomes. It gives you perspective, helps you focus, and keeps you grounded so your engine doesn’t run empty and you perform better, stronger, faster. Yes, I watched The Six Million Dollar Man—and The Bionic Women, too. 🙂
And I can’t underscore how important that perspective is. Invaluable. While most business owners are driven, we’re not always good at taking a step back and assessing priorities, celebrating successes, and letting go of perceived failures.
Driven business owners also juggle many balls – and are often quite adept at it. A coach helps you realize which balls are worth juggling and which are “that bottom 20 percent.”
And don’t underestimate the value of being grounded. The greater your awareness is, the better your decisions, your health, and your happiness are.
Group Coaching Is a Double Bonus
I love my 1:1 sessions with Kate. I walk away with great ideas and spot-on insight. But I’ve come to really treasure the group coaching sessions every other week.
The women in my group are amazingly smart, successful, talented, funny, and nice. Not only do I benefit from Kate’s guidance, but I also learn from my fellow “Purmalites” and absorb that wonderful energy every meeting, leaving invigorated.
Here are the insanely successful women with whom I have the privilege to spend my Thursday coaching sessions with:
- Kacey Fitzpatrick, an award-winning builder of beautiful, sustainable homes
- Jenn White Topliff, a “kick-ass” graphic designer who specializes in paper invites
- Rose Faler, a go-get-‘em account director who works magic with tradeshows
- Barbara Rice, a marketer focused on breakout product launches, and contributing author to 42 Rules of Product Management
- Alison Macondray, a content strategist specializing in way-cool Prezi-based presentations
- Karilee Wirthlin, a website strategist, former WIC president, and one of San Jose Business Journal’s “40 under 40”
So what say you? Have you tried coaching? What did you think? Thumbs up or down? Why?
Thanks Avery,
Actually most of my clients are high achievers just like you! Coaching is their way of keeping track on very aggressive goals they have for themselves.
I just acquired a client who was referred to me by his V.P. This gentelman is a high performer and very well liked by his peers and employees. So, I was surprised that he was referred to me for coaching.
When I asked him how he felt about being referred to a coach. His answer was “I am so stoked! I consider this a privlege” – I can tell we are going to have some really fun, exciting and well focused coachng.
Coaching isn’t because you feel you CAN’T achieve..it’s because you know YOU CAN do even more with the right focus and guidance.
My pleasure Angel. And thank you. I love the attitude of your newest client. He’s in good hands!
Love the reminder of needing when “not in desperate need”. Having a coach only when you are stuck, overwhelmed or uncertain is like having a doctor and calling him only when you need a surgery. Coach is like a holistic doctor for your business that is there to help you create healthy “lifestyle” for your business. Great article Avery!
What a great analogy Karmen! And so true. Another one I like is professional athletes: they’re top in their field and insanely talented. They hire a coach because they want to be the best they can be. They want to hone their talent. And they want that perspective. Thanks Karmen!
The best thing I’ve done for my business and the group is magic!
So true about the need for coaching! Unlike psychotherapy, which people go to because they feel something’s wrong with their life, coaching is all about getting even better results than you are. With coaching, you go forwards, not backwards.
I love this article! As a life coach, I can say I do have clients who come to me for help because they are stuck, need to refocus, or lack motivation. But I also have clients who are driven, successful, and doing well in their life. They also realize the value of coaching and understand the impact coaching can have on their continued success. Great article!
Thanks Lisa! Coaches are great. Period.