Issue 8 - Handling Common Coaching Challenges

Welcome back!?

Business coaching can be very rewarding, but like any career, it comes with its fair share of challenges: Dealing with difficult clients, juggling your schedule, or keeping your finger on the pulse.?

Even if you’ve prepared the perfect session plan (as we explored in the last issue), you’ll probably hit bumps in the road. Here’s how to tackle common coaching challenges.

At some point, you're bound to encounter a challenging client or two (or more). They might be resistant to change, have a hard time opening up, or make endless excuses for not following through on their actions.?

When this happens, patience is your best friend. Keep the communication flowing and try to see things from their perspective. For example, a client might resist change because they're scared of failing or just overwhelmed by the unknown.?

By listening – like, actively listening – and asking questions, you can get a better sense of what's holding them back. Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings and letting them know their concerns are valid. It will help you have those tough conversations as you build stronger connections.

Finding some common ground, like shared goals or values, can make the coaching process feel more like a team effort.?

You have to persist because, at the end of the day, it's all about helping them grow, even if it isn’t always easy.

Coaching is a great vocation that offers flexibility. But between juggling multiple clients, prepping for sessions, and tackling admin tasks, it can get overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you manage your time and energy:

• Set clear boundaries: Designate specific hours for client sessions and block out time for preparation and paperwork. You don’t want late to work late into the night.
• Prioritise tasks: Start your day by listing out your top priorities like prepping for a big client meeting or completing a crucial report. Focus on these tasks first before moving on to less critical work.
• Take regular breaks: Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. A short walk or a quick coffee break can do wonders for recharging your energy levels.
• Know your limits: It’s okay to say no sometimes. You can turn down extra clients when your schedule is full or set boundaries with existing clients. Protecting your time is essential to avoid burnout.

By managing your time and energy wisely, you’ll stay energised and ready to give your best to your clients.

The business world is always changing so, as a coach, you have to keep your finger on the pulse. Go to workshops and conferences to learn new techniques and stay updated on industry trends.?

Read books on growing a business or coaching others to keep improving your coaching sessions. "12 Rules for Life" by Jordan B. Peterson is a great one to start with.

Network with other coaches by joining coaching groups or forums to exchange experiences and strategies.

Staying curious and open to new ideas will add value to your coaching practice, making you more effective in helping your clients.

Get ready for the challenges

Now, if a potential challenge comes up in your coaching practice, are you confident you can come up with a game plan to tackle it?

Feel free to share your thoughts or reach out if you need support. I’m here to help you navigate these challenges and grow as a coach.?

Stay tuned for the next issue, where I’ll share how exactly you can scale your coaching business!