SPOILER ALERT: DO NOT get a business coach if you want things to be easy.
However, read on if you want to make a lasting change to how you operate as a business owner.
Viewing your business in its entirety
Imagine being in the midst of a fierce football match. Every fibre of your being is focused on the next pass, the next tackle, the next shot at the goal. The noise, the intensity, the ever-pressing need to act – it’s overwhelming. This, in many ways, mirrors my life as a business owner.
However, as engrossed as I was in the game, I often feel I am missing the larger picture. Sure, I can see the immediate challenges and plot the next move, but the overarching strategy? The broader game plan? It sometimes seems elusive from my vantage point on the field.
That’s when I discovered business coaching. It felt like being pulled out from the whirlwind on the pitch and seated in the stands beside a wise and observant coach. From up there, the view was different. I could see the entirety of the game, discern patterns, and think about strategy in a whole new way.
The Break I Desperately Needed
Owning a business is no small feat. Engulfed in daily tasks, putting out fires left and right, I often lost the broader perspective. But taking this ‘timeout’ with a business coach was a revelation. It provided the space to step back, breathe, and critically evaluate.
Beside me in the stands, my coach would ask pointed questions, nudging me to think deeper, challenging my preconceptions, and steering my thoughts in fresh directions. This external perspective illuminated areas I had overlooked or hadn’t even considered.
The Questions That Changed My Game
Rather than handing me ready-made answers, my coach led me to them. Here are some of the game-changing questions I grappled with:
“What patterns can you discern in the challenges you’re facing?”
“How does this decision align with your long-term vision?”
“What does success look like for you in this scenario?”
“How can you leverage your strengths to navigate this situation?”
Contemplating these questions sparked insights and clarity, refining my approach and decision-making process.
Gaining a New Perspective
From this elevated position, it became evident when something in my business wasn’t hitting the mark, be it a marketing approach, a team dynamic, or a process snag. With my coach’s guidance, we’d pinpoint these issues and brainstorm solutions, tweaking tactics and strategies as needed.
This vantage point also served as a powerful reminder of why I started my business in the first place. It was a chance to reconnect with my vision, ensuring each decision and action aligned with my goals.
So now I get it, I get why I turn up every week sometimes every week. I am made to feel positively uncomfortable and feel supported when making critical decisions in the business. And therefore, the final question is not:
Why should I hire a business coach?
But which one should I select to support my dreams and future goals.
Phil – Co-founder for Grow Partnership
