Bug #81
DO MULTIPLE THINGS WHILE COACHING
During coaching calls:
• don't read emails
• don't do your nails
• Don't check bills
• don't surf the internet
• don't read a magazine
• don't write a novel
If you're bored, tell your client you're bored, tell him why, and ask him to work on something that will hold your interest and utilize your talents.
Error #82
NOT FOLLOW UP AFTER A DIFFICULT SESSION
After a session where the client was tender, overwhelmed, or still stuck in a dilemma, call them a few hours later or the next day to see how they are doing.
Just that, a "how are you". Don't try to coach her, just show her that you care.
Create empathy, listen quietly.
There is no need for Coaching, nor to reinforce, nor to remind you of anything.
Error #83
BEING TOO PROFESSIONAL (IMPERSONAL)
Coaching is a collaborative alliance, not a distant professional service.
You can get closer to your client and have a great time doing Coaching.
Take the client and Coaching very, very seriously, but keep it light and personal.
Error #84
AVOID CUSTOMER MONEY PROBLEMS
Money problems appear in various forms:
• spend more than the account
• pay bills late
• have no reservations
• Inadequate and fluctuating income
While money problems are only one part of a client's life, they affect everything:
• Quality of life
• Thought
• Creativity
• Freedom
• Evolution.
I do not do Coaching with clients who do not want to manage their economy, I cannot do Coaching on top of irresponsibility.
Error #85
PLAY THERAPIST OR COUNSELOR
You know you are playing therapist when:
Delve into diagnosable psychological conditions (depression, anxiety, addictions, family issues, destructive behaviors, etc.)
The client is not making reasonable progress toward their goals without a lot of support and structure from you.
The Coaching approach is almost all about feelings and concerns.
Coaching's approach is almost all about patterns/cycles.
Therapists play a key role in the mental health of society and are trained, experienced and licensed to do this type of personal work that Coaches cannot offer.
Bug #86
NOT KNOWING WHO ARE YOUR IDEAL CUSTOMERS
If you have not defined the qualities and goals of your ideal clients, you will not easily know who you should be coaching.
Certainly, it's okay to coach anyone you feel you can help. But it is also very important that you know exactly who you prefer to do Coaching so that you can quickly identify them in a group of people, to inform your contacts, environment, audience about which profile you are looking for and then you will attract them more easily.
Bug #87
WAIT TO DO COACHING UNTIL TO BE PREPARED
Some Coaches study Coaching, do lots of complementary training to Coaching, but never Coach paying clients, because they don't feel prepared.
This is an emotional block that you must resolve.
Error #88
COACHING CUSTOMERS YOU HAVE OUTSTANDED
Like your customers, you too evolve.
It is important to coach clients who are on the same level as you, if not, you relapse, you succumb.
You know you've outgrown a customer when:
• Their goals and what they want seem ridiculous/remediable to you.
• Your preferred strategies for doing so are outdated.
• They are not able to hear/use what you suggest to them.
• You don't feel like coaching them.
Mistake #89
DO NOT HAVE PATIENCE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS
Some clients take longer than normal to accomplish things.
With other clients you will see that they do not progress at all and suddenly. wham! Instant transformation.
If you feel doubts or frustration, ask your client what his style is, his rhythm and adapt accordingly.
Mistake #90
NOT CLEARLY EXPOSING THE BASIC RULES
New clients deserve to know who you are, how you do Coaching, what you require or expect from them.
The ground rules include things like:
• How quickly customers need to make major changes.
• The way clients will use you during coaching sessions.
• The openness that the client needs to have for new approaches.
• The honesty that is expected from the client at all times.
Share these ground rules with your customers before you start. (Give them examples of what would be okay and what wouldn't.)
Then remind them of their commitment, if necessary.