Lead Like a Coach
In 2017, I launched my creative consulting firm GC Collaborative, and my first year in business was an exciting worldwide. I almost immediately had five great clients, three employees, and numerous events and collaborations that I was proud of. However, things started to shift as we moved into our second year. As we began to push our clients to lean more heavily into their differentiating points, we also inadvertently pushed them out of their comfort zone. We started to hear things like, "We don't want to offend anyone," and "No one has ever done that before, so how do we know it will work?" It was becoming clear that they were not open to taking risks or having an idea fail. And anytime we discourage failure, we also discourage success, creativity, and innovation.
In the end, the clients I was attracting did not want to change how they were doing things but wanted me to deliver a different result. AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! This was an extremely difficult and challenging time for my company and me. I could see where my clients wanted to go. I could see the pathway to get there. I just could not figure out how to help them take the first step. I felt that fear was holding them back, but what did I know about helping people work through fear? This was when I decided to go back to school to get my coaching certification.
My mission was and is to help my clients integrate who they are into the work they do so that they can authentically and sustainably stand out from their competition. But, if I was going to be successful, I would also have to know how to help them navigate the things that get in their way.
The work I am doing now is some of the most creative, fulfilling, and challenging work I have ever done. Part of my practice as a coach is to always be working on myself and my business so that I have more to give to my clients. As I have been thinking about what more I can do to serve the creative community I love so much, the answer became clear. I can teach them how to be a coach.
Whether you are a small business owner who wants to get more out of their employees or a designer trying to get your client to make a decision, learning coaching techniques can help the process feel easier to manage and less like a personal affront. Leading like a coach can save you time, energy and reduce your stress levels while empowering your clients and employees to take actions that serve them best.
That being said, it is not always easy being a coach. I would be lying if I said that I never get nervous when I have to challenge a client or hold them accountable. But, I know that if I have their goals and best interests in mind, it is the most generous thing I can do for them and our relationship.
So what does it mean to lead like a coach?
You help your clients and team members to get out of their own way rather than micromanaging.
You see your team members as creative and capable and trust they can do the job.
When breakdowns in communication, problems, or failures occur, you do not blame others or yourself. Instead, you look at your process and use this hiccup as an opportunity to grow and improve it.
You show up to every meeting as the expert and use pushback as an opportunity to educate
You know who you are and make decisions with intention and purpose.
You do not attempt to carry the leadership load alone but empower others to co-lead with you.
You are a good steward of your time, have clear boundaries, and know the value of your work.
You do not say yes to everyone that shows up at your door. You say yes to the clients, partners, and team members that are a right fit for you.
You allow your values to guide your decisions rather than fear.
You are energized by your work rather than living in a chronic state of burnout.
Are you ready to start leading like a coach? Click here to sign up for the year-long program.
What's included:
4 group sessions per month
weekly homework assignments
weekly meetings with your accountability partner
Access to our online community
discounts on one on one sessions
The program begins on 10/31/22. The group is limited to 5 participants.
Claim your spot before Oct 1st - $500 per month or $5,000 for the year
After Oct 1st - $625 per month or $6250 for the year