I’d had an epiphany recently as a coach about my coaching programs. Might be simple to most, but for me it was a big ah-ha.
See, there are three kinds of people out there:
- Those self disciplined enough to do the work and actually finish it. These people learn it, run with it and make it happen. They are great in high level coaching or training programs, because they will, after the session, get it done (whatever get is done is).
- Those that need the accountability to get the work done, then you do it. These are people who need the “swift kick” if you will! They need a coach that will hold them accountable to the work. they are great when they cannot “do the next thing” unless they get the first thing done.
- Those that need someone to walk them through it, do it with them. They need hand holding, they need a guide and teacher with them, showing them until it is complete. They are best in a structured environment with a coach that works with them to get it done.
But that isn’t the epiphany. That is the fact that MOST people are not in the first or second groups, most are in the third. And I am in the first. So most of my coaching programs are designed for people in the first. And if you are in the second or the third group, you do not finish it. I also think many coaches I observe are like me, in the first, and design programs for people in the first.
I once had a woman call me, frustrated and overwhelmed. She had spent over $45,000 in three big coaching program (names I PROMISE most of you would know) showed me the site below and said: “They promised me I’d get everything set up and ready for my business and this is all I have to show for it.”
her website after three big packages
I even spoke with other coaches, their response: “Isn’t it her responsibility to do the work? We can’t do it all for them.” See? Coaches who are in the first group! So I have decided that this needs to be how I work with client, determining THIS first, then suggesting the right program. It also means that I need to re-design my programs to offer this. It also means that people in the third group will pay more than people in the first group. Doesn’t seem fair? Well, their program requires much more of my time.
So what is the take away for you? You need to get real about which group you are in. And when you look for programs to “help” you, make sure they fit who you are. Or chances you will just sign up for the program, thinking you will get hand holding, and it isn’t designed that way.
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
I have hired two different people in the last 8 months to help me with projects–different kinds of coaches, but coaches most definitely. I hired them because I needed some of all 3 of the elements you described. I needed #3 to guide me in getting started on work I really wasn’t sure how to approach, and I needed the support to keep me going as I became comfortable. #2 was provided inherently, and I found it invaluable. As I moved into the work, I became more of #1. I do have drive and self-discipline once I have a clear concept and have moved past fears. So I think there’s tremendous value in having all 3 styles addressed, with flexibility even for one person. I found the same thing in my teaching–students need all 3 at one time or another.
And you are correct Judy. For the most part I am a 1, but when I had to get back into the gym and workout, I became a 3- it was scary and overwhelming for me. I paid for the extra time and attention, and the swift kick, and boy it worked!
This is absolutely brilliant. Personally I think I flip between 1 and 3 because I get so easily intimidated by what I don’t know, but am willing to make mistakes and go for it. It is when I get overwhelmed, which has been happening a lot more in this last couple of years (I am embarrassed to confess). I LOVE that you name most successful coaches are #1 (and are there because of it) yet they need to be an awareness of meeting folks where they are. This is so very true for me in my biz as a energy coach/teacher as well as for me as a recipient.
I get it. I’m not in the first. Most likely the second group for me. I will do it but I do need the swift kick at times. I do apply some of it to my business. I’m observing myself at the moment and have some questions to ask myself. I’ve done it more with my social media coaching than with my spiritual programs I’ve bought. I find that a very interesting fact considering that has a bigger pull for me. So what am I afraid of?
Julieanne Case
Always from the heart!
Reconnecting you to your Original Blueprint, Your Essence, Your Joy| Healing you from the Inside Out |Reconnective Healing | The Reconnection| Reconnective Art |
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Afraid? You? My experience is you are for sure a 2- the kick is really a “I haven’t seen you Julieanne” lol!
A brilliant blog post! Triggered an epiphany of my own – why I am barely so-so in describing my business. I’ve been trying to glump the description all into one, when it’s really three different services. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Lauren Delp
Cardea
http://www.cardea.com
http://www.facebook.com/cardea.helps.small.businesses
Thank you! Wonderful post. This is a very useful distinction. Especially as you point out that we’re all likely to be in different groups at different times. I suppose most of us fall in all three categories as we progress through different projects.
I’m thinking about a coach in a general way, as someone who provides advice and encouragement to anyone. As I see it, recognizing your “groups” distinction can be useful in two ways: First, it allows a coach to assess his (or her) own style and tailor it to suit their client. And second, it allows a person being coached to seek the style of help they need at that time.
About your epiphany, that most people fall in group #3, I think most of us start most projects there, and sooner or later transform to #2 or #1 as we improve. At least it works that way for me. I often hesitate at the start, no matter how eager I am. Then early success builds enthusiasm, building more success and more self-direction.
I’m not a coach, officially, but as I speak with clients, remembering your “groups” can help me
– recognize where they’re at, and
– give them the kind of help they want.
I have to say I live a lot in #1 and most of my clients in #2, just because they are trying to navigate unknown territory. Sometimes I am in #3 myself when the boogey man comes out to play. We all live in different spaces at different times in our life and man, you nailed it. A great description of all the differences in coaching. Here’s my definition… I let my client experience the bike they are riding and walk along side until they no longer need me.
I love what you have said and it will be shared a lot I am share.
Thanks for you epiphany for it will help me and others.
Sue Bock
http://couragetoadventurecoaching.wordpress.com