What Makes Great Coaching? (Hint: It's Not Replacing an Emotional Support Dog)

Ever puzzled over why certain coaches act like master alchemists, turning your business hurdles into golden opportunities, while others resemble a glitchy advice dispenser? As someone who's fielded more unexpected client zingers than a stand-up comic in a tough crowd, I often get asked: "What defines exceptional coaching?" The core truth? Stellar coaching skips endless on-demand access, favoring profound, transformational conversations that foster independence, grounded in unwavering faith in the client, attentive presence, and, when appropriate, savvy advice from hard-earned entrepreneurial/leadership wisdom.

ICF guidelines, stress moral collaborations that respect the client's ingenuity and hear them out sans preconceptions. I say - forget the heroics—just principled practices that uphold personal empowerment.

Take this example: As a harried business owner battling fires left and right, you enlist a coach for profound guidance. Yet if they're perpetually reachable for every "emergency" ping or brief bailout chat, you're not advancing—you're farming out your smarts. It’s no different than using ChatGPT to write all your emails. Escalate this process and you linger in firefighting frenzy, overlooking the blazing woodland for individual sparks. Your sharp instincts fade since you're skipping the chance to detect recurring pitfalls on your own.

Here's my approach: I do provide perks such as inter-meeting messages or quick check-ins, yet with pre-set limits to avoid dependance. Reserve it for real bottlenecks that can't simmer till next time, not every "My latte's lukewarm—world's ending!" whim. This syncs with ICF morals: We believe in clients' self-direction, engaging deeply during meetings to dig into origins, beyond mere patches. I do leverage my track record—building great places to work and surviving stumbles—I deliver tactical revelations that reshape dilemmas, say, flipping a promo flop into a revenue rocket. Thanks for the recent example Cracker Barrel Restaurants.

The payoff? Leaders shift from needing perpetual rescues to poised trailblazers. Take the leader who ditched constant queries on staff squabbles, handling them independently and aligning her teams effort around a common vision. The deep work of coaching is meant to overhaul perspectives, ditching superficial tweaks.

Christian Simpson nails it: "Coaching is the most transformational process known to mankind.”

True story: At times, I’ve slowed interim support during engagements if it stalled progress. Reason? I won't morph into your crutch companion—although if Uncle Sam lets a service dog board flights gratis with a vet's nod, perhaps I'd bill premium for aerial pep talks? Just kidding; I'd prefer empowering you to soar independently.

Are you ready to up level your leadership capacity? Are you craving a way to lead effortlessly so that you can spend more time dreaming fiercely? Schedule a coaching experience today and feel for yourself what all the hype is about!

I say, ‘Change your thinking - change your life.’

For the next 5 people who respond I’ll discount your first session to only $97. You get a full CliftonStrengths 34 report and 1.5 hour coaching experience. DM me or visit www.markmathia.com. Let’s go!