So what would you say ya do here….

(3 minute read time)

I am chuckling as I think about The Bobs in the movie Office Space.  You remember the scene, The Bobs ask the famous question “So, what would you say… ya do here?”

As much as I think it is important to have an elevator pitch that describes what you do – this blog is not about that.  

It occurred to me that I may have a blind spot, and I want to address it.  I am a coach and I have a coach, so I know exactly what coaches do. But not everyone is or has a coach so not everyone knows what coaches do.     

A leadership coach ___________.   

Fill in the blank.  What comes to mind for you when you think about what a coach does?

I have heard a lot of different answers to this question – many of them far from the green.  So, I thought I would clear it up a bit in this post.

First, let’s bust a few myths.

• A coach is NOT a “paid” friend – I have clients that are friends and friends that clients, they will tell you it’s a completely different experience when I have my coach hat on.  A good coach remains objective at all times.

• A coach does not hold you accountable – You are an adult, you do not need a babysitter.  Coaches will help you see the reason why you aren’t taking action, but we are not going to hold your feet to the fire.  Of course we want you to succeed, but we do not micromanage.

• A coach is not a therapist – Therapy has its place and that place is different than coaching.  Therapists can help with mental health maladies. If you need therapy a coach will not suffice.  Coaching helps take someone who is already fully functioning to get to their next level. (P.S. – If you are not sure if you need a coach or a therapist, here is a great article that can help)  

Now, let’s talk about what coaching actually is.  If The Bobs were sitting in front of me, here is how I would answer them.  

• I help my clients set and achieve goals.  Together we identify the current and desired state.  We tap into their untapped potential and design the future, the career, the lifestyle they have always wanted.  

• I partner with my clients to uncover what is holding them back from achieving their potential.  We find strategies (that actually work) to overcome obstacles. We celebrate success.

• I provide structure, support and tools to help bring my client’s potential to life.  Many of us are so busy IN our lives, living our lives, we do not take the time to step out of it and work ON our lives.  I give personalized strategies to leaders instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

• I give my clients time and energy.  Don’t we all want more of that? Coaching doesn’t take time, it saves time.  I help my clients create an exciting plan, gain momentum and make it happen.    

If you do not have the life you want, a coach can likely help you.  Find one that specializes in what you want. There are coaches for everything – career, weight, parenting, dating, marriage, divorce, finances etc.    

Back in the 50’s and 60’s going to a gym to work out was unusual.  Having a personal trainer was even more unusual. Physical fitness, gym memberships and personal trainers are now commonplace.  

The same is happening with coaching.  It’s like having a personal trainer for your mind.    

Give it a try…. Click here to schedule a free 30-minute coaching session with me.