This weekend, I found myself mostly watching Wimbledon. I don’t watch tennis at any other time of the year but I do love to watch Wimbledon and can find myself sitting in front of the TV for hours at a time.
This Sunday I watched the match between two of the USA women’s players, Coco Gauff and Emma Navarro. Navarro won the match in two straight sets which wasn’t necessarily expected after Coco’s run into the tournament.
But it wasn’t necessarily the tennis in this match that had me captivated. It was Coco Gauff interactions with her coaches.
During the second set you could see her increasing frustration with the way things were going and she kept looking to her box for help. Shouting for them to give her something she could use, to help her, to give her the ideas to change things up and it really got me thinking about the work we do as business coaches.
As coaches we are there during coaching sessions, and in between when needed, to offer guidance, support, ideas but we always say it is down to the business owner to take the actions they have agreed to take.
In this instance, Coco Gauff would have been coached with a game plan in mind, she will have looked at her opponent with her coaches to work out how they could force errors but when it comes to the match it is only her on the court. She is the one in control and the one that needs to take the action. Her coaches can only offer a certain level of guidance from the side lines knowing that they can’t do it for her.
As business coaches it can be very similar. A business owner can leave a coaching session with a clear plan and all the motivation you need to go away and take action but when you step out of the room things can change. The frustration can build, and you can lose your way.
Sunday’s match was a great example of when things don’t always go according to plan and when that happens it gets tough to find a way forward, to adapt the idea or to hold firm with a system that you know works and keep pushing.
As coaches, whether sports or business, it is our job to help our clients to gain the knowledge and skills that they need to keep them on course even when things don’t go according to the game plan. Our clients need to learn to be independent of us and not dependent on us. They need to become their own coaches, the coaches for their own team and have the confidence in their decisions to make changes when they need to. The business owner, or the player, are the ones that need to take the action and play the game and the coaches are there to equip them to be able to do that.
With this in mind, here are a few things to consider when you’re looking for a business coach:
Evaluate their coaching style
Some may be more hands on, others may be more advisory. Find a coach that suits your preferences and how you like to work.
Consider Their Communication Skills
Effective communication is key to a successful coaching relationship. Your coach should be able to listen actively, ask insightful questions, and provide clear, actionable feedback. During initial conversations, pay attention to how well the coach communicates and whether you feel understood and supported.
Look for a Strong Rapport
Your relationship with your coach should be built on trust and mutual respect. It’s crucial to feel comfortable with your coach and confident in their ability to support you. A strong rapport can enhance the effectiveness of your coaching sessions and lead to better outcomes.
Find someone you trust
Trust is a massive part of the coaching process. Business coaching can sometimes cross into life coaching and you need to work with a coach that you trust to listen to some of the things that you may not discuss with anyone else. Trust is a key factor in finding your coach.
Remember, just like Coco Gauff on the tennis court, you are the one in control of your business. Your coach can provide guidance and support, but ultimately, the actions you take are up to you. Equip yourself with the right coach, and you’ll be ready to face any challenge and drive your business towards success
