Most business owners, CEOs, and executives who seek a Business or Executive Coach realize a gap between their current and desired skill set. In other words, they know that they can perform at a higher level but don’t know how. If done right, coaching can be a valuable tool for anyone who wants to grow their skills, improve their performance, and achieve their goals.
Most business owners, CEOs, and executives who seek a Business or Executive Coach realize a gap between their current and desired skill set. In other words, they know that they can perform at a higher level but don’t know how. If done right, coaching can be a valuable tool for anyone who wants to grow their skills, improve their performance, and achieve their goals.
Coaching works best when both coach and coachee follow some basic guidelines. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your coaching sessions.
Be Coachable
Being coachable means being committed to doing what it takes to be the best version of yourself. That requires the ability to self-assess, receive feedback, and willingness and ability to change. I also found that clients who are vulnerable, self-reflective, and trusting benefit more than others from coaching.
Prepare for Your Coaching Sessions
Before you meet with your coach, you should have a clear idea of what you want to work on, what challenges you are facing, and what outcomes you are expecting. This is best done by keeping a journal between sessions. I find that most topics that are discussed are ones that happened the day before or the day of the coaching session. Keeping a journal will help you and your coach to focus on the most relevant and impactful areas for your development.
During the coaching session
- Be open and honest with your coach. Your coach only knows what you share with him or her. Oversharing is better than under-sharing (most of the time).
- Be respectful and attentive to your coach. Listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and acknowledge their input. Push back or ask questions if you disagree, otherwise the session ends up being a waste of time.
- Own the outcomes of your coaching. Take responsibility for your learning and actions. Follow through on your action plan and report your results. Don't make excuses, blame others, or give up easily.
Follow through
Consistently strive to be the person that you aspire to be by applying the feedback/suggestions that you received from your coach. At the end of each coaching session, agree with your coach on what you are going to do or change and then be ready to report back during the next session.
Remember, business coaching is a partnership between you and your coach, and you both have a role to play in making it a successful and rewarding experience.