Why coaching isn't just for professional sports people to reach the next level
When you think about some of the biggest sports people in the world, you will almost always think that their success is their own. However, there is a whole team behind them who are also responsible for those achievements, including their coach. Why then, is the term “business coach” often seen as a taboo subject, something that should not be discussed as it could potentially signify weakness?
For International Coaching Week (17th – 23rd May), award-winning London business coach Jamie Goral highlights a few of the benefits of business owners investing in a coach.
“I prefer the title ‘accountability partner’,” said Jamie. “As we hold business owners accountable for their actions, impacting various parts of their lives, we move away from the general term of business coach. It’s much more than that nowadays. Every business owner has a flaw, and throughout the pandemic I’ve supported many people to fill that gap – whether it’s implementing sales processes, developing a management team, or helping to analyse data, there’s always an area that needs help.”
Here, Jamie outlines five key reasons why business coaching is so valuable to business owners:
1. Thinking critically and creatively. When you’re busy in the day-to-day operations of business, you’ll often grow complacent with what’s happening. A business coach will ask you thought-provoking questions to encourage you to assess your actions as if you were an observer. You’ll be able to see things from a completely different perspective, which in turn will initiate innovation and inspiration.
One client tripled their business and grew by 90% by building strong processes, both for themselves and their employees to adhere too. Getting an outsider to look into your business helps make that growth happen.
2. Leading strategically. Although you might like to think it, you’re not superhuman, meaning you can’t cram more hours into the day than actually exist! Instead, a business coach will help identify which aspects require more focus from yourself, and which can be delegated to team members. The art of delegation is key to business growth.
3. Learning when to take risks. With your business acumen challenged, you’ll learn which decisions might be reckless, and ones that will be worth taking the risk for. A business coach isn’t superhuman either with the ability to see into the future, but they can help identify whether you have assessed a potentially risky move from all angles and support in taking the most appropriate course of action.
4. A confidence boost. Confidence is not an innate characteristic and can be learned. Business coaches will help to identify your own skills and strengths (and weaknesses), as well as enabling you to develop strategies to navigate through tough times.
5. Being held accountable. This is possibly the biggest benefit of working with a business coach. Whether you like to hear it or not, they will always tell you the truth, as it will be for the greater good of your company. They will always have your best interests at heart and, after all, it is what you bring them in to do.
Jamie added, “Ultimately, it’s about giving business owners the power to create the income they desire, allow them to do the things they really want and pass on their business legacy to their children. It’s alarming many people think the above cannot be achieved all at the same time, thinking there is some kind of trick. Rather than considering asking for help from a business coach as a sign of weakness, it’s about time it’s seen as the smart choice for people who don’t just want to be a business owner but a business leader.”
To sign up for a free consultation with Jamie, please visit www.jamiegoral.actioncoach.co.uk