After Mark had been working with his Business Coach for a few months, his coach began re-contracting with him. Mark was reminded of what his main objectives had been at the start of their process. He remembered that he had committed to:
- increase his competency levels,
- optimise each area of his business, and
- give himself the privilege of working on his business instead of playing an operational role.
Mark enjoyed the process of re-contracting because it provided him with the opportunity to review his coaching canvas through a different perspective. Not only could he now see where he was going, he was also able to see where he had come from and why he had engaged with a Business Coach in the first place.
Given this opportunity, Mark reflected on the following four key areas which had made a significant difference to his Business Coaching experience.
1. The effect of ‘no judgment’
As a business owner Mark has always followed his own path and worked on his passion. However, before joining the business world, he had not been able to complete a university degree. This fact had no direct effect on his career or his business, but when he interacted with qualified and ‘important’ clients, he still often, in his own mind, felt like an underqualified imposter. Now, during his sessions with his Business Coach, Mark felt confident for the first time since launching his business. If his Business Coach disagreed with him, a discussion was held in a constructive manner where he was able to work through his own decisions. His Business Coaching sessions provided him with a safe space in which he was able to be vulnerable. He could express his current concerns or areas for development with a qualified professional who considered his actions, rather than worrying about where he had come from or what he may have done incorrectly in the past. This refreshing approach gave Mark permission to delve into previously unchartered territory for himself, and to explore possibilities for his business that he had previously been too insecure to discuss.
2. Skilled coaching of the coach-practitioner
During the process of considering which Business Coach would be the best fit for him and his business, Mark had considered which criteria would be of most value. He firmly believed that he needed a Business Coach who had direct business experience and who was currently running a business. He wanted to work with someone who had experienced the same elation and pain that he himself had to go through. For Mark, this was important because he believed that someone who had not worked in a similar environment could not understand his daily frustrations. Consequently, his coach-practitioner did not throw a whole lot of theoretical concepts at him. Instead, their discussions were structured around Mark himself, his business, the people both in and outside of his business, and the industry environment in which he functioned. This approach helped Mark in a practical way to implement incremental changes that would advance him towards his vision.
3. Clear methodology
As a Business Owner, Mark had always done whatever needed to be done. His business had systems and processes in place, however, he rarely updated these or thought about the value they added to his business. When working with his Business Coach, he saw that clear frameworks and methodologies were being used. Every session was documented, his Business Coach kept him on track towards his objectives, and every aspect of his business – internal and external – was considered. He felt that each aspect of his company was being professionally examined. This use of clear methodology not only made his Business Coach more credible, but Mark also had peace of mind that he had made the right decision when hiring this particular Business Coach.
4. Considering oneself the catalyst to one’s business’ performance
Although he knew that he ran the business, Mark now felt empowered and accountable for his organisation’s success. Working with his employees, he was able to mutually define their responsibilities to propel his business forward. Most interesting to him was that he had never thought about the significance of his role in the business. He now realised that it was up to him to consider the external environment that would have a knock-on effect on his internal environment. He was able to watch his competitors’ movements, and work with his suppliers and customers to achieve results. And all this was all his own doing. He himself was the catalyst and the leader of change in his company. He was now engaging, coordinating, and communicating the changes needed to satisfy all stakeholders. His Business Coach had made him feel capable and had helped him position himself for success.
Thinking through the way his coach had run their sessions, Mark was immensely grateful that he had been on the Business Coaching journey. He felt satisfied that he had gained value from the process, and that he was now equipped to take his business to the next level.
To better understand how Business Coaching can assist your business, read this SA Business Coaches’ blog: Speaking to a Business Coach→
If you are looking to boost how much you know about your business, contact a professionally qualified Business Coach→ at SA Business Coaches.