Question from a Coach – Habits of a Great Coach

Question - Jennifer, in your experience, what are a couple of things that great coaches do?

Jennifer - The first is something you’ll hear me say a lot – Great coaches continue their education to build their skills, confidence and competence. A shot-putter doesn’t just learn how to throw a shot put then quit. They keep honing that skill so they can get better and better. I won’t say more about that here since I already write about that often.

Another thing that might not seem obvious, but that I believe is important for coaches to understand, is that great coaches will talk less about the value of coaching and instead they will?demonstrate?the value of coaching.

I love this because it's a win-win. First, you win because when you offer to demonstrate, you get more coaching opportunities, which builds your confidence and your skills. That's why I say?coach your face off. Coach anyone with a pulse that is willing to be coached! Just coach them. Because it really is a magical experience. Also, the more people you coach, the more you build a marketing army out there that will talk about the great experience they had with you. And a referral-based business is what great coaches should strive for.

Second, the client wins because they get coached AND therefore better understand what coaching is and how it can positively change their life.

Another thing that great coaches do is they believe in the power, determination and wisdom of the person they're coaching. You have to believe in your clients’ ability to find their own answers AND you have to trust that they know way more than you do about the topic/area/issue they’re working on. This will not only empower your clients, but it will also keep you from giving advice, judging or trying to save your client. Believing that the answer lies within the client allows you to stay curious and ask great questions to extract it.

Easy peasy!

About the Author ?

Jennifer Powers is an ICF Master Certified Coach and founder of Powerhouse Coaching. Powerhouse Coaching specializes in leading 10-hour Group Mentor Coaching Classes for coaches wanting to attain or renew their ACC, PCC or MCC ? credentialing from the International Coaching Federation . Powerhouse Coaching also offers 75-hour ICF Level 3 Master Certified Coach courses to coaches wanting to move from PCC to MCC. Professional coaches can also join the Powerhouse Coaching Club which features skill building and business building for an international community of coaches.?Learn more at www.phcoach.com .