Maria Connolly, LPC
Is there an influential coach you greatly admire and aspire to be like? What is it about her that makes you want to be like her? When you look closely, you’ll find it’s not because she’s charismatic and mesmerizes you. Or that she “leads” by bullying or intimidating. A good leader influences others by example, bringing the best out in those around her because she walks the talk.
Coaches, do you need more clients? Here’s an opportunity you may not have even considered… approach local businesses and offer your services! Today coaching has become an essential leadership skill that employers and management need to get the best from their employees and teams. When the qualities of a good coach are applied in the workplace, it creates an atmosphere of greater productivity, creativity, and synergy. Even industry leaders are recognizing that they themselves attain better results personally and professionally through life coaching.
Everyone is a coach in some way, either of themselves or others. That’s why it’s so important to hone these ten essential qualities of a good coach. As you read through the following list, think about which ones you’d most like to work on next. A practice of mindfulness and somatically experiencing your sensations will accelerate your growth in these areas.
Do you want to feel powerful and successful in your life? Then build meaningful relationships with others who are committed to the same goals. If you want to thrive, surround yourself with people who are better at whatever you aspire to do! They can give you advice, guidance, and practical examples for living the kind of life and choices you want.
People who know and care about you are your greatest teachers. They’re your role models and your most truthful mirrors. They’ll be the ones you turn to when you’re confused, need help, and feel emotionally fragile. These “low” times will occur in your life, and if you only have “fair-weather friends” the low times will be hard to take.
You are only as strong as your support network. And as Jim Rohn says, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
Under the best circumstances, change doesn’t come easily. Some people say it takes 21 days to create a new habit. However, one study shows that on average it takes up to 66 days. Some people can create a new habit in as little as 18 days, while others take 254 days! What do we learn from this? Don’t count the days. Be convinced that the new habit is what you want and practice it until it becomes a part of who you are. Because let’s face it, life isn’t ideal. Much of the time we’re overcoming obstacles as we make these changes.
How about you? Do your goals and intentions fade after the first setback? How many challenges can you handle before you give up?
Don’t you hate it when someone tells you what to do? We want to “be our own boss” and “do it ourselves”. That’s what personal accountability is, right? Not at all! Many people don’t realize that the “do it myself by myself” mindset diminishes your chances for outstanding success, and it ignores the remarkable advantages of mentoring, accountability partnerships, and the buddy system.
Being extremely independent may sound appealing but it can lead to control issues, a victim mentality, an inability to let go, difficulty in delegating, distrust, or stifled creativity and productivity. On a continuum where independence and dependence are the extremes, interdependence is often the more realistic and balanced stance. When you open up to creating an awesome support network, you’ll finally feel free to blossom into the person you’re meant to be.