ME MISTAKES
Coaching is really an art, and any art is learned only through practice. And of course, to practice you will have to make “mistakes”. We put it in quotes because we are convinced that there are no “mistakes”, there is only feedback – that is, each “mistake” is an indication of where you can improve. Making “mistakes” does not mean that you are a bad Coach – on the contrary, it opens the doors to the opportunity to be better. We are all learning and part of learning is developing the ability to admit and embrace your “mistakes”. There will be “mistakes”, it is natural, it is human. The key is how you respond.
It is important for your growth as a Coach that you recognize, accept and learn from your “mistakes”. Making a mistake is not the end of the world and your next mistake will not be your last.
At the end of this dossier we expose "The 10 most frequent mistakes" that can serve as a guide in your continuous learning process. It is a good idea to review this list from time to time after a coaching session and do a self-assessment.
We remember that:
       There are no errors, there is only feedback.
       Making “mistakes” gives you the opportunity to improve.
       There will be “mistakes”, it is natural, it is human. The key is how you respond.


The 101 Mistakes…
Mistake #1
DO NOT SHARE SUBTLE INTUITIONS
Subtle intuition is what you perceive and can barely feel or put into words.
It's more subtle than a normal intuition you might have.
Most Coaches wait too long to share this feeling because they don't want to make mistakes or unnecessarily mislead the client.
Get over. Create with your client the kind of relationship in which you can share these types of sensations.
Mistake #2
MAKE TOO MUCH NOISE
Some Coaches are too loud, not just in voice or in decibels, but emotionally needy, absorbing, yearning for the client to thrive.
They enter into competition with the client for space and energy during the coaching session.
These Coaches experience frequent client churn.
The solution is to let the customer be and enjoy him as such and not use the customer to validate your own expectations.
Mistake #3
GIVE ADVICE TOO SOON
When you KNOW you have the perfect advice for your client and you feel the need to interrupt and share it, your advice probably won't be heard properly.
Remember, customers need to share first, (be heard) before being open to advice and solutions.
Ask yourself: Why am I so eager to give tips, suggestions and solutions?
This is a big problem in Coaches today.
Mistake #4
CHASE CUSTOMER THROUGH LABYRINTHS
The client presents the Coach with a variety of paths to start on.
The trick is not to rush into the first path that the client presents to you or the one you see where you can go.
Instead of intervening too soon, wait and listen more until a very powerful place to speak appears.
You'll know it's the right spot, because the customer will quiet down and watch with you, instead of throwing a bunch of stuff at you to look at.
Mistake #5
DIAGNOSE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Coaches are not therapists. Therefore, the Coach does not work with clients in certain areas called diagnosable psychological conditions.
Psychological conditions include (but are not limited to):
·   Drug addiction
·   Depression
·   Paranoia
·   Schizophrenia
·   personality disorders
Mistake #6
WORKING WITH THE WRONG CLIENT
You will not be good with all kinds of clients.
Don't work with clients you don't like, who are on a very different plane from you, who don't understand you or benefit from what you offer, or who aren't enthusiastic or motivated.
Do not work with clients who have needs that are beyond your training, expertise, experience, or interests.
Always have other Coaches on hand to whom you can refer these clients.
Mistake #7
TRY TO COACH WITH AN “INCOACHABLE”
Some clients just don't want to change the way they do things. We call these clients “inCoacheables” because the Coaching process would include the growth, development and evolution of the Being.
Perhaps they are people who are worth a lot, but just at this moment they are not ready for Coaching.
Educate the client on how to be a good recipient of Coaching and be honest with them before letting them go or referring them to another professional.
Mistake #8
DO COACHING THE SAME WAY WITH ALL CLIENTS
Not all Coaches are or need to be chameleons, but it is important to customize your way of doing things according to the needs of each client.
Certainly, you will maintain your own special style, but you will use the tools, concepts, distinctions, strategies and advice that will benefit your client the most.
Some Coaches fall into the trap of “I am like that; take it or leave". Keep an open mind.
Mistake #9
BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CLIENT
I take full responsibility for the quality of my Coaching, but never for the success of my client. That's up to him.
Some clients want/need you to guide their lives or solve their problems. Protect yourself.
On the other hand, don't stray too far, lend a hand, agree with the client for extra support if they face a big challenge or problem. Go out of your way to help. But do it as a personal choice, not as an obligation or your responsibility.
Mistake #10
BE LINEAR
A Linear Coach sees life, growth, and success as a logical progression from A to B, B to C, C to D, etc.
You realize if you are linear when you try to impose YOUR order to your customers or believe that customers must follow certain steps to reach their goals.
This approach to the matter is not very effective in an increasingly chaotic world.

Hint: To be more flexible, learn about the Law of Attraction, synchronicity, synergy, and serendipity.