The following is the typical scenario of when I meet someone for the first time: We exchange the niceties of a common introduction; there’s a handshake, we exchange names … and then … the inevitable happens. After hearing my response to the question “What do you do?” the person counters with “You’re a coach?” (delivered with a sprinkle of sarcasm and a dusting of skepticism). Translation: “Oh, you’re one of those…”
And, so it begins. I’m invited to enter the ring; the tone and the pre-battle stare-down speak volumes, communicating “You better bring it ‘cause there’s NO way you’re winning this round.”
What my opponent doesn’t realize when starting the “dance” is that I’ve been in this ring before. I’m seasoned – armed with the arsenal, endurance and stamina of a prize-fighter. Before my challenger knows what hit him/her, I deliver the one-two punch he/she never saw coming.
My first punch; I educate them with the facts (in comparison to the myths and inaccuracies they have accepted as truth) and then the follow through second punch is the proof (the overwhelming evidence that personal and professional coaching DOES add value, improve quality of life and increase productivity and profitability).
So, yes, I AM “one of those” and as such, I’m:
• The confidant – I don’t judge, ridicule, try to convince you otherwise, or push personal agendas on you. I am the much-needed sounding board that most people hope for.
• The trained listener – I don’t “assume” I know how you feel, where you are, or where you want to go. I don’t put meaning behind your messages, nor do I shake my head or roll my eyes when you offer your perspective. I listen and am present in every conversation. Active listening enables me to pose the powerful questions that lead you to the answers you need to move forward.
• The role model – I model effective behaviors at all times. I am fully present – I listen actively, communicate directly, provide honest feedback and am open to new perspectives.
• The expert – I am a highly competent agent of change. I know the difference between weaknesses you need to fix and those that are best left as they are; as such, I ensure that you invest your time and energy wisely, focusing on making the changes that will have maximum impact.
• The advocate – I push, pull, and stretch you to grow and achieve more than you ever thought you could, all while holding you accountable, keeping you on track and moving you towards new levels of personal fulfillment and achievement.
• The accommodator – I am efficient and effective (you decide the focus of our meetings to ensure we are addressing what is most relevant to you and I make sure your intentions are addressed) and flexible (I offer the choice of meeting in person, via Skype or over the phone).
• The trusted partner – I am always honest because I am not invested in any specific outcome. I maintain confidentiality, empathy and, above all, integrity.
• The skills developer – I support the development of self-awareness, forward thinking and future leading. Working with me, you gain the ability to think strategically, provide vision and direction, accelerate change, be intellectually honest, motivate and influence others, deliver results, value all people, and align all areas of your life with your personal core values.
• The enlightener – I help you identify blind spots, figure out what you don’t know, and clue you into things you may not be able to see.
• The motivator –My role of holding you accountable leads to increased motivation to follow through on all intentions set in the course of our relationship. 65% of employees who work with a personal coach or work at a company with a strong coaching culture, rate themselves as “highly” engaged in all areas of their lives.
• The personal value adder – I add value to your personal and professional lives. 77% of those who have worked with a coach report improved relationships; 67% find they are able to work more effectively and cohesively in teams; 61% experience an increase in job satisfaction; and 48% say they feel there’s an overall improvement in the quality of their lives.
• The professional value adder – I provide insight that leads to action. The impact of these actions create intangible value (increased employee engagement, improved decision-making, improved communications, improved team work, and better performance management) as well as tangible value (increased productivity, increased quality, increased net sales, and reduced costs).
The bell just sounded – it’s a TKO.
But I’m a coach; instead of walking away in the afterglow of my victory, I extend my hand, offer a re-introduction and wait for it … the new and improved reaction from my previous opponent. “Wow, that’s tremendous. I had no idea,” (This time delivered with a wallop of amazement and an abundance of awe).
And I, in my perpetual desire to help those in need, ask, “So, what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” There is no such thing as the agony of defeat in coaching.
Dina Maloney is co-founder of EPIC Coaching and Consulting, a firm that Empowers People through Insight and Change. The company assists people who are ready to evaluate themselves and/or their businesses, create a plan for improvement and make the necessary changes for maximum results.