Stagnation is the enemy: 5 Essential Reasons Every Coach Needs a Coach
The Big Mistake
“In a profession dedicated to growth and transformation, stagnation is not just a setback; it’s a disservice.”
This encapsulates the paradox that many coaches face in their journey. Coaching, at its core, is about guiding others towards realizing their full potential, yet so often, coaches themselves remain anchored to traditional methods and mindsets that limit their own growth.
Recently I was speaking to a seasoned coach, brilliant and experienced, yet trapped in the relentless cycle of trading time for money, undervaluing their expertise with hourly rates that barely scratch the surface of their worth. It’s a common narrative in the coaching industry, one that reflects a deeper issue – the neglect of one’s own continuous development.
During the conversation, an epiphany struck me. Despite their impressive skillset and dedication, they had barely begun to explore the vast expanse of their capabilities. To his frustration, he saw this clearly too and it changed his way of thinking. This encounter was not just a reflection of an individual’s journey but a mirror to an industry-wide oversight: the overlooked necessity for coaches to have their own coach.
This realization leads to an undeniable truth: To lead others effectively, we must first lead ourselves towards growth and discovery. As coaches, our commitment to personal and professional development is not just beneficial; it’s essential. It’s the key to unlocking not only our own potential but also that of those we guide.
In this blog, we dive into five compelling reasons why every coach needs a coach, unravelling the transformative power of this investment not just in ourselves but in the entire trajectory of our coaching careers.
Reason 1: Breaking the Time-for-Money Cycle
“In the race to make a living, many coaches inadvertently limit their living.” – JJ
Yes, I just cited my own quote – Love it!…But let’s not get distracted. The point of the quote is to highlight a critical pitfall in the coaching industry: the time-for-money exchange. This traditional billing method, while common, poses significant constraints not only for coaches but also for their clients.
When I first started my coaching journey, like many others, I operated on an hourly rate. It seemed logical at the time – a straightforward way to quantify my services. However, this approach soon revealed its flaws. The most glaring issue is the inherent limitation it places on the coach’s reach and service. With only a finite number of hours in a day, the capacity to serve is capped. This model inadvertently turns time into a commodity and puts a ceiling on both income and impact.
Moreover, the hourly rate model fails to account for the depth and quality of the service. A seasoned coach, who can provide swift and profound insights due to years of experience, paradoxically earns less for being efficient. This scenario penalizes expertise and speed, discouraging the very essence of skillful coaching.
Such a system is problematic not just for coaches, but also for clients. It fosters a transactional relationship, where the focus shifts from transformational impact to clock-watching. The true value of coaching – facilitating significant, life-altering change – becomes obscured by the ticking of the clock.
As I evolved in my practice, abandoning the hourly rate was a pivotal decision. Transitioning to value-based pricing was more than a business strategy for me; it was more like a paradigm shift. This change elevated my business and transformed the impact I could make. Suddenly, I was no longer constrained by the hours I could work, but empowered by the value I could provide. The impact was profound – both for me and my clients.
Coaching is not about running yourself into the ground to help others. It’s about creating a massive impact in the world and in people’s lives. To achieve this, we must look beyond the hourly model, embracing methods that reflect the true value and transformative power of our work. It’s about recognizing that our expertise is not just a commodity to be measured in time, but a powerful catalyst for change.
Reason 2: Unearthing Hidden Potential
The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment.
This profound statement resonates deeply when considering the untapped potential in every coach. My conversation with the aforementioned coach served as a stark illustration of this concept. Despite a decade of success, they were yet to explore the full breadth of their capabilities. It leads me to ask… are you exploring the breadth of your potential and capabilities? Don’t just say yes, defensively, really take a second to think about it. I’m not trying to put you on blast, my aim is to help you dig deeper… you know, coach you!
Referring back to the conversation with the coach, we delved into various aspects of coaching and the business of coaching, which of course is very different. A defining moment occurred. It was like witnessing a mind unlocking doors it didn’t know existed. The conversation shifted from routine coaching methodologies to exploring uncharted areas of growth and strategy. This awakening was not just about new techniques or business models; it was about realizing the vast potential that lay dormant, waiting to be ignited.
In my experience as a coach, I’ve often found that we excel at helping others discover their hidden gems, their untapped strengths and abilities. Yet, ironically, we sometimes neglect this pursuit in ourselves. Without a coach to mirror back to us, our own potential can remain locked away, like a treasure chest awaiting a key.
The impact of this stagnation is multifaceted, affecting personal, professional, and business growth. The coach I spoke to realized that in all their years of coaching, they had only scratched the surface. Not just with considering different revenue strategies, but with enhancing their personal brand, building an authoritative presence in their niche, mastering the intricacies of pricing and sales psychology, adopting value-based pricing to reflect the true value they provide, and so many more things. They were not only leaving money on the table but also not even close to creating the level of impact they were completely capable of creating and while trying to create a wider impact, they were burning themselves out.
I shared insights that literally blew their mind and helped them to see how they could not only have a thriving coaching business but also have a fulfilling life. They saw how time freedom was possible for the first time while still maximising the transformative impact he created in his business.
Imagine the depth of insight and transformation they could offer to their clients once their full potential is unleashed. This is the power of having a coach – it’s not just about refining existing skills; it’s about discovering realms of possibility that we didn’t even know we could explore. It’s about breaking free from the cycles of routine and stepping into a space where true growth and breakthroughs happen.
Reason 3: Mastering Continuous Evolution
The journey of a coach is synonymous with continuous evolution and growth.
As I reflect on my own path, I am reminded of the profound lessons taught by my mentors, some dating back to my childhood. These lessons have not only stayed with me but have become integral to my personal and professional evolution. Just as these insights have been etched in my memory, a good coach or mentor leaves an indelible mark on their mentees, shaping their journey long after the sessions have ended.
Continuous learning is not just about accumulating knowledge; it’s about evolving in sync with the world around us. In my experience with personal coaches and mentors, the greatest takeaway has been the ability to adapt and grow beyond my initial capabilities. They have guided me through shifts in the coaching industry, advancements in technology, and changes in client engagement methods. This guidance has been invaluable in avoiding stagnation and embracing progress.
For those questioning the need for a coach, consider these reflective questions:
– Where was your practice when you first started, and where is it now? Has the growth been proportional to the time invested?
– How have you adapted to the significant changes in the coaching industry over the years? Are you leveraging the latest technologies and methodologies?
– When was the last time you felt a significant shift or breakthrough in your approach to coaching?
– Are there areas in your coaching practice where you feel unsure or stagnant? What steps have you taken to address these?
– What does evolution in your coaching practice look like to you? Are you actively moving towards that vision?
These questions are designed to challenge the limits of your thinking and encourage introspection. The coaching industry, like any other, is continuously evolving. The technology we use, the ways we engage, and the strategies we employ are constantly changing. As coaches, we need to evolve alongside these changes. Having a coach helps us to stay at the forefront of this evolution, ensuring that we not only grow with our industry but also lead the way for others.
Reason 4: The Ripple Effect of Empowered Coaching
The transformative journey of a coach is a ripple effect, where our growth cascades into the lives of our clients, amplifying their development.
This interconnection is a fundamental philosophy of coaching – the growth cycle that extends beyond the individual.
In my practice, the evolution I’ve experienced through my own coaches and mentors has been a catalyst for the growth of my clients. When I enhance my skills, broaden my perspectives, or deepen my understanding, it’s not just my coaching that evolves; it’s the entire coaching experience I offer. This evolution manifests in more insightful guidance, innovative strategies, and a deeper connection with my clients. Their breakthroughs become more profound, and their transformations, more impactful.
This cycle of growth is about more than just personal development; it’s about creating a legacy of empowerment. Every insight I gain, every lesson I learn, is passed on to my clients, who in turn, become agents of change in their own circles. This is the beauty of empowered coaching – it’s a continual cycle of, touching lives far beyond our immediate reach. Just last week, I received a WhatsApp message out of the blue from someone thanking me for believing in them in 2019 and how it opened up a whole new world for them. Transformed their career and they have been able to shift from an unfulfilling role to one that now aligns with her soul’s purpose. I don’t know about you, but I want to be known for helping people transform their lives. I need to continually be transforming mine through growth, in order to continue being the best ‘me’ I can be for my clients, friends and loved ones.
For coaches reading this, empathize with your client’s aspirations. Consider how your own growth can elevate their journey. How can your continued evolution as a coach create waves of positive change in the lives of those you guide? It’s about seeing the bigger picture – understanding that as we grow, we don’t just improve ourselves; we elevate our clients, setting off a chain reaction of empowerment and transformation.
The impact of this philosophy is profound. It’s not just about being a better coach; it’s about being a catalyst for a broader movement of growth and empowerment. This understanding should motivate us to continually seek our own development, knowing that our growth has the power to transform not just our lives, but also the lives of all those we touch.
Reason 5: The Power of Self-Investment
Your growth is a reflection of the respect and value you place on yourself and your craft.
This principle holds a profound significance for coaches. Self-investment is not just a matter of professional development; it’s a declaration of your belief in your own potential and the potential you can unlock in others.
Reflecting on my own journey, the decision to invest in myself is pivotal. Early in my career, I hesitated, viewing self-investment as a luxury rather than a necessity. This mindset limited not only my growth but also the depth of impact I could have on my clients. The shift came when I realized that investing in my growth was the most potent way to validate my worth, both to myself and to those I serve and since then, I’ve been paying for coaching and mentoring and treating it not just as a priority, but also as a necessity because it absolutely is.
The consequences of failing to invest in ourselves are far-reaching. It’s not just about missing out on personal and professional growth; it’s about the subtle message we send to our clients, our families, and our followers. Have you ever thought about that?
Newsflash – When we neglect our development, we inadvertently suggest that stagnation is acceptable, and settling is enough. This mindset can trickle down to our clients, not only diminishing their perception of the value of coaching and the transformative power it holds but also limiting their own aspirations and willingness to invest in other areas of growth, as they mirror the limitations they see in us.
Conversely, when we commit to our own growth, the benefits are manifold. It enhances our coaching skills, enriches our perspectives, and elevates our business and our lives. This commitment allows us to ethically increase our prices and positions us as experts in our field. It’s an investment that pays dividends not only in our success but in the success of those we support.
For seasoned coaches, this message is especially crucial. It’s a call to continually challenge and reinvent ourselves, to model the principles of growth and evolution we teach. It’s a call for introspection and accountability, not just to ourselves but to our clients and loved ones. Ask yourself: Have you invested in your growth lately? How does this reflect in your practice, and what message does it send to those looking up to you?
For new coaches, it’s an invitation to start on the right foot, understanding that your investment in yourself is a foundational step in building a successful coaching practice.
The need for continual self-investment is paramount. It’s an act of self-respect, a commitment to excellence, and a statement of the value you bring to the world. So, I urge you – invest in your growth, in mentorship, in coaching, in yourself. It’s not just an investment in your future; it’s a statement about the kind of coach, leader, and example you want to be.
Question – Consider how your investment in yourself today can shape the world of those who are inspired by you tomorrow.
Let’s bring this to a close
As we journey through the art, science and business of coaching, the themes of growth, self-investment, and the transformative power of mentorship stand as pillars of our profession. From the necessity of breaking the time-for-money cycle to unlocking hidden potentials, embracing continuous evolution, and understanding the profound ripple effect of empowered coaching, each element underscores a vital truth: our growth as coaches is inextricably linked to the growth of those we serve.
The investment we make in ourselves is not purely about enhancing our skills or expanding our knowledge; it’s about embodying the very essence of what it means to be a catalyst for change. As a coach, that is what you aspire to be… right?
As you reflect on these insights, consider the paths you are paving for yourself and for those who follow in your footsteps. How will your commitment to personal evolution inspire and ignite the potential in others? Let this be a moment of introspection and a call to action – not just for your own growth, but for the collective elevation of our profession.
Tell me below, do you have a coach and what is one thing your current coach has unlocked in you?
About the Founder
? JJ, Your Coach, Strategy & Revenue Mastermind
? Mantra: “I Never Lose, I Either WIN or Learn – Nelson Mandela”
? In Another Life: Solo globetrotter soaking up the sun and manifesting next-level strategies…which is exactly the same as I do in this life!
? Why I’m Here: To guide you to work smarter, not harder, and to empower your purpose-driven journey. Let’s change the world together, one client at a time.
? The Impact: Through my strategies, clients have diversified revenue streams, navigated cash-flow challenges, and scaled their purpose-driven businesses to new heights.
Your business could be next!