How do you coach a client through a business crisis?

There are a few stages: 1. Listen .. then listen again. Patience is key. People need to "unwind" the story. This takes time even for the best communicators. The unwinding uninterrupted enables them to get clear. 2. Listening like this leads to more awareness of the source issues (e.g. x, y, z missing in their systems, approach, thinking, etc.) and normalization. Normalization is where the trauma of the awareness can settle and then the feelings go into the background - i.e. there is less drama around them. 2. Remind them about their vision statement or future - inside of their vision statement, what are possible solutions. 3. Have them pick the best solutions 4. Set up systems to support them 5. Accountability till resolution.

Bringing the client to his/her "Circle of Influence" takes top priority. Taking responsibility for the situation is the quickest way to start seeing resolutions. While assessing the situation, ask questions that are focused on the client rather than the problem. This helps reach the root cause of the situation faster. And the problem defined is half solved.

I always apply the Six-Sigma rule, dealing with these kind of situations. D - Defining the crisis is the most important aspect. It has to backed by real data and numbers. M - Measuring the crisis, it's short term and long term repercussions. A - Analyzing the root cause - Going three steps behind to get to know the actual cause of the crisis. I - Finding a solution, implementing and improving it on a daily/weekly basis. C - Controlling the outcomes in our favor, to keep going the right ways as a part of the process rehabilitation. The major contributor finding a solution is to listen and analyze from both the perspective of the concern which might be personal or professional. Reasons should be discussed by asking right questions.

Once the problem is clearly defined and the root cause is understood and acknowledged, lead the client to explore possibilities. Here, the challenge is that the client thinks of implementation and the issues and emotions attached to it. The coach's job is to help the client to keep them separate in the beginning. Once all possibilities are explored, then lead the conversation towards implementation and challenges associated.

This could be a sensitive time for the client. Being emotionally available, helping them label their emotions, and bringing mindfulness around what they are feeling/doing could go a long way. The coach needs to be able to be the mirror and sounding board through this phase is crucial for the client to get out stronger and more self-aware.

Root Cause Analysis: Encourage the client to dig deep and identify the root causes of the crisis. These could be internal factors like poor management, operational inefficiencies, or external factors such as market shifts or unexpected events (e.g., a pandemic). Utilize techniques like the "5 Whys" method to systematically uncover underlying issues.

You have to celebrate your wins fam! I’m the past I would never accept acknowledgments or appreciation from other people. It was even harder for me to give myself a break. If you’re reading this,this is your sign. Celebrate your achievements !

This is such an interesting scenario. Except … What is a crisis? It’s not just something not going your way! Twists and turns are part of business. For all business. Using the word crisis is loaded and emotive. It’s akin to a drama! To see the kinks that occur in business as part of the journey of learning and growth is what any business coach / mentor worth their weight in any substance would do best to offer. I get there are those situations where a crisis is so huge and potentially life changing for a business. However in those situations you need to respond in the moment. And then moment by moment. Until what a crisis is, is clear, the process outlined by the AI is more a how to manage a business.

Coaching a client through a business crisis is akin to being a lighthouse in their storm. First, assess the situation by delving deep into their challenges. Then, explore various options, casting a wide net of possibilities. Create a SMART action plan, guiding them through the turbulence step by step. Throughout this journey, remember that emotional support is as critical as practical guidance. Be their anchor, helping them manage stress and uncertainty. Finally, when they emerge from the crisis, take a moment to celebrate their resilience and newfound strength. ????