As someone who has coached and consulted in the financial services industry for more than 25 years, I feel equipped to address this question. And, yes, I’m laying on the sarcasm pretty thick in the title. So, let me cut to the chase and make my case – yes, you need a coach.
Let’s talk about why that’s true.
Your Perspective Is…Yours
We all appreciate the value of a second opinion. You and I will never look at things completely objectively. When it comes to our own experiences, we’re built to be subjective. It’s like asking someone to see colors, hear sounds and taste the way you do – it’s not possible. Having a second set of senses on your business is critical to arriving at the best decisions.
Read more: Why Everyone Needs a Coach
A talented coach will bring a needed level of objectivity to the relationship because their sole interest should be to help you improve. It requires humility to embrace that your opinion, while educated and credible, is yours and it will almost always align with what you already believe to be true. A good coach offers alternatives, insight and a perspective that you may not have considered.
The Myth of Self-Accountability
It’s admirable when anyone has enough confidence or conviction in something that they don’t think they can benefit from an accountability partner, but it’s rarely the case. It’s the reason we sleep in instead of working out, eat that extra dessert, don’t save money the way we should or don’t spend enough time on hobbies or with people we care about.
When challenged, it’s easy to take the path of least resistance, and the least resistance is often not doing what we know is best for us because it takes something extra. An effective coach will keep you accountable. They’ll listen to your excuse and tell you it’s a reason, but not an excuse.
Even high performers desire to be pushed and challenged by another person. Don’t get caught in the trap of believing you’ll stay accountable to yourself. Find a partner who will push you for your own good.
Learning Your Blind Spots
You may know that terrifying feeling when you start to change car lanes (or when you did before technology fixed this problem!) and you hear another car’s horn blast. You think to yourself, “I didn’t even see that!” You weren’t aware of your blind spot.
Read more: Why You Need a Guide When the Market Throws Curve Balls at Your Business
As an advisor or business owner, you have natural blind spots. Try as you may, you won’t stay on top of everything, and you need an outside counsel to point out things that – although unseen by you at the time – exist and can impact your results and experience.
An experienced coach will be on the lookout for the blind spots in your business and in your thinking. One of the best affirmations in a coaching relationship is when the client occasionally says, “I hadn’t thought of that.” It’s a sign of a blind spot and, more importantly, a solution that can provide value.
As someone who has coached hundreds of advisors and business owners, I’m convinced of the value because I’ve witnessed the difference it can make. Every professional who wants to be better needs a coach.
If that’s you, find one who’s a good fit and invest in the process. If that’s not you, I encourage you to go through a reflection process and find out if anything is blocking your desire for a path to better results and more fulfillment in your professional and personal life.
There’s a great coach out there ready to help you!
