Blog

Following on from yesterday’s post, this is the second in a four part series on how to coach and be coached. Check out yesterday’s post HERE.

It’s exceedingly rare that efforts to change and improve go smoothly. There will be challenges and bumps in the road. There will be setbacks and unforeseen circumstances.

How to coach

Do not get upset with your client. Do not get down or negative with them. It is not your job to judge. Your client already knows when they’ve made a mistake and gone off track and they’re already beating themselves up about it. They don’t need you to add to it.

The most important thing here is to put your emotions to the side and see this as a great learning opportunity for your client. They need you to help them learn from these moments and develop a plan for the next time that situation or thought pattern arises. You can do this mostly by asking the right questions to bring clarity and a level head to the task at hand.

Find out what the circumstances were in the lead up to the problem. Ask them to explain the thought process behind their choice. Help them to brainstorm new ways to think about that situation as well as alternative ways to prepare. Then settle on clear and straightforward steps to take the next time this happens.

How to be coached

Be open and honest at all times. Your coach can’t help you solve a problem if they don’t know it exists. You’ve paid good money for help, so get your money’s worth!

If you make a mistake or go off your plan, please do not worry about hurting your coach’s feelings. It is your coach’s job to regulate their own emotions, not yours. Most of all, understand that you are only human and we all make mistakes.

It’s only a failure if you don’t learn from it.

Almost every problem has solution. Your coach is (or should be) very good at helping you find a simple, practical solution. Get everything out on the table and allow your coach to do what they do best.

Spud up!

Andrew

P.S. Click HERE to book a free intro coaching call with me