As we discussed last week, it is not only okay to ask for help leading your business, it’s the smart thing to do. Once you’ve decided you are open to assistance, the next step is to find the right coach for you.
Lots of people are calling themselves business coaches these days. But you don’t want just anyone. As when choosing a pet or a therapist, it’s important to find the right fit.
It needs to be someone with whom you can feel comfortable. After all, to maximize the benefit of using a coach you’ll need to be able to be vulnerable, admit mistakes, and acknowledge what you don’t know.
Some of that is just a sense you will get as you talk to potential coaches. But in addition to how it feels, here are a few things to consider when looking for a business coach:
Choose someone who has expertise you don’t have. This will open you up to a different perspective and allow you to learn a new way of thinking.
Find someone who is able to see the uniqueness of your situation and can adapt their services accordingly. Be cautious about canned products that promise success if you follow their “7 step program”.
Look for a systems thinker. Systems thinkers are trained to see the individual parts of something, how those parts connect with other parts, and how all of these connections work to shape the whole of an entity. They will be able to help you see the big picture goals and also address the daily issues.
Look for someone who can recognize patterns and trends that elude you because you are deep in the forest.
Learn about their approach and philosophy. Ask them how they go about helping business leaders and learn about the principles behind their consulting process.
Talk to others they have helped. Not only can this give you a clearer sense for the kind of work they do, but you can also learn about their character and if they are trustworthy.
Choose someone who respects your success. Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need someone who has worked in your specific industry. You do want someone who sees your strengths and helps you access your best thinking and the gut instinct you have developed through your experience.
When you find a good match in a business coach, you will have a valuable partner who truly cares about you as a leader and the success of your company.
If you are considering getting a business coach, give us a call. We can discuss your situation and determine if we’re the right fit for you.