When looking for ways to grow your business, sometimes getting some coaching could be all you need to achieve that success you yearn for. Being a leader takes so much more than just making things happen through decisions; you also need to learn to listen to the opinion of others regardless of their position in your company or business. Accepting that you do not know everything is hard, but it is the first step to becoming a better leader and a successful entrepreneur, for that matter.
A business coach can provide you with valuable CEO development programs to give you the tools you need to propel the business ahead. But for the coaching to have a positive impact, there are mistakes you should strive to avoid.
1. Not having clear objectives
One of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when getting CEO coaching is not knowing exactly what they wish to achieve with the process. Your coach may be experienced and have what it takes to sharpen you, but they are not angels. The coaching may yield very little or no results if you have no clear goals. It is therefore important to analyze the business and its performance, then specify what areas you feel need improvement. When you can meet the coach with clear goals, the process will be streamlined and focused, saving you money and time in the long run.
2. Hiring a friend
The other subliminal mistake most entrepreneurs make is hiring a friend to coach them. Whereas it sounds like an awesome idea to have a friend by your side working you through CEO training, they might end up holding back, thus deteriorating the business or the relationship. It is best to find someone who is bound to be completely objective in advising you and one who will not feel bad pointing out your weaknesses. A friend is likely to be biased, and it will help to find a coach who will tell it like it is without worrying about your reaction.
3. Failing to vet the coach and their organization
To be the best, then you must work with the best. But unfortunately, many entrepreneurs forget the check the past track record of the people they are hiring to coach them. It does not matter how urgent you feel the coaching is; you must take the time to check the industry experience, the cost, and the capability the coach has before hiring. The coach you settle for should be a perfect fit for the organization and yourself so you can reap results beyond your expectations from the process. You can use your CEO peer groups / CEO Mastermind to find a coach you can trust with the training or reputable organizations with qualified coaches who will deliver.
4. Hiring a coach with limited connections
It might not seem necessary, but a coach with the right connections can prove valuable because they will help you build good relationships with people who matter in your field. It might sound shallow, but networking can help your business grow faster, so there is absolutely everything to gain when you choose a coach with connections you find valuable.
5. Hiring without testing
The other common mistake entrepreneurs make is hiring a coach without getting to know a little about them and how they operate. Whereas it is great to do a background check on the coach and their qualifications, it is even better when you test their skills by having a one-on-one meeting before you hire them. The meeting offers you the chance to ask questions and evaluate their personality to give you confidence in the services you are about to get. CEO peer groups can make narrowing down to the best coaches easier for you, so use them where possible.
Business Coaching Ideas 