Growing Leaders: Tips for Professional Development with Cheryl Robertson of InnerGrow Integrated Coaching, LLC.

Professional development is the cornerstone of personal and career growth. As business leaders look to upskill their knowledge and support their teams, coaching can be a highly effective tool to help realize growth objectives and acquire valuable skills that will propel individuals toward greater success.

Cheryl Robertson, PCC , Owner of?InnerGrow Integrated Coaching, LLC., empowers individuals to step into their leadership and business potential through cultivated coaching techniques. Leveraging years of human resource experience and a passion for transforming lives, Robertson offers a range of services including training, workforce development, and personalized or group coaching to guide professionals at every stage of their careers.

Robertson reflects on her early years as the catalyst for guiding others. At 17 years old, her mother passed away, leaving her to care for her eight younger siblings alongside her father. “I didn’t have anyone to guide me and help me map out what I wanted to do with my life,” shares Robertson. “Since I didn’t have that, I found myself being that for others. From family and friends to mentorship programs and learning development, I began supporting others in their journey, first in human resources with the DC government and then with InnerGrow.” She adds, “Every journey is different. For me, it’s my way of touching people’s lives and speaking to their uniqueness.”

Robertson partners with FSC First and Level Up to offer her coaching insight on panel discussions and works with the Level Up team in group training. In this blog, Robertson shares a few essential tips that business leaders can employ immediately to start growing their potential and make a meaningful impact on their business.?

Cultivate Self-awareness and Recognize Growth Areas

Robertson advises that by looking inward, business leaders can begin recognizing the internal challenges that hold them and their progress back. “By learning what limits us, we can take steps to grow in those areas,” Robertson said.

When beginning InnerGrow, Robertson struggled with “imposter syndrome,” or not feeling “good enough” internally for the success she was experiencing externally. She recognized that this feeling could impact her confidence and, in turn, business success. Robertson began looking for resources? — online webinars, seminars, blogs — to work through her challenge.?

“We can gain awareness of the fears and shortcomings that hold us back when we look inward,” Robertson said. “In my case, this meant recognizing my ‘imposter syndrome’ and assuring myself of my credentials and experience that make me an expert in my field. By seeing my challenge, I could face it head-on. Taking the time to self-reflect helps us improve ourselves and become better leaders for our team.”

Focus on Relationship Building

While independence is a characteristic of many leaders, relationship-building is critical for business growth. By collaborating with other business owners and industry experts, leaders can expand their network, seek informed feedback, and grow their knowledge base. “There is so much value in meeting other individuals and seeing what you can glean from them,” Robertson adds.?

Through FSC First and its collection of successful business owners, individuals can begin forming these impactful connections. Robertson shares, “I go to events to support business owners, but I learn from them too. I’m not a finance or tax expert. Through FSC First, I can connect with experts in those fields. Our conversations are invaluable, and I can tap into their knowledge to help my businesses.” She continues, “Even if it is just letting other people know about your business, it helps to share our story and get valuable feedback.”

Ask the Hard Questions?

Part of InnerGrow’s services is asking business leaders thought-provoking questions they may not be asking themselves. The right questions can provide a different perspective on challenges or help them discover business goals that they were hesitant to pursue.?

“We can think that we know our goals, but when we start exploring the possibilities, discoveries, motivations our true desires can come to the surface,” Robertson shares. “Through questions and conversation, business owners can discover, or affirm, their goals and devise a plan to reach them.”

Lean Into The Strengths of Each Team Member

“Understanding your team members is critical in transitioning from an OK team into a high-performing team,” says Robertson.

Each team member brings their unique perspective, personality, motivation, and strengths to a business. When leaders spend time understanding their team, the results can inform strategy and process that fits each member into a role that best fits their strengths to make an even more effective and collaborative unit. For those who need help figuring out where to start, Robertson recommends assessments as a starting point to get to know team members and begin conversations on how to work together best.?

“As we do the internal work, we come forth beautifully,” Robertson finishes.

With the proper support, lifelong learning and growth are possible. Connect with FSC First for guidance and support on how to build your professional development and business success.?Contact us?today to take the next step in developing your business and connecting with knowledgeable partners.?