Coaching Quote of the Day 18th October 2012
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last.
Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”
(Zig Ziglar)
What’s your perspective on this quote?
You’re welcome to comment below
motivation
Getting The Message Across Is Vital 1
In this week’s guest post Ryan Toms shares his thoughts about working with, and speaking to, groups in a business setting.
Getting The Message Across Is Vital
By Ryan Toms
Whether you’re a full-time coach or someone who dabbles in motivational speaking, you’ll know how the credibility of your message can set the tone for the whole coaching session. If you’re trying to get across a degree of positivity but your demeanour suggests otherwise, the whole session will have been little more than a waste of time and effort.
The Internet, various coaching manuals and the occasional video tutorial will tell you there are different answers to the debate about the most important aspect of coaching, but I feel there is one answer to this: you simply MUST get your message across at every session you hold. If attendees come away without knowing what you were trying to say, a vital opportunity would have been missed. Therefore, always have in mind the goal of the session and don’t over-complicate a presentation with too many objectives or take-homes for the audience: each should build on the previous point.
Coaching sessions are often used to improve morale in the workplace, which can be something of a knife edge for the speaker: the wrong approach could end up demotivating employees or be seen as condescending; exactly the opposite result to what is intended! Therefore, you should always make sure you do a little research beforehand. While one group of workers might benefit from a gung-ho approach, others may prefer to be encouraged in a more subtle manner.
Different strokes for different folks
For example, it’s often the case that a sales team responds more positively to practical tips that have case studies and proven results to back them up, whilst those who work in finance may prefer to hear a speaker who can show a respected track record in a related field of expertise. It’s never ideal to think in terms of generalisations, of course, but a little homework will go a long way to ensure that you are not talking down to a particular audience.
If a company decides to call in an expert speaker in a bid to boost morale, it’s likely that team spirit won’t be particularly high at that moment in time. For the coach, it’s vital to remember the importance of maintaining a confident air. The delegates will look to you to take them on to a new level of ability and potential, and your message will struggle to be heard if it appears that you don’t believe in it in the first place.
Some commercial organisations spend a small fortune on team-building activities for their staff members, in a bid to engender some spirit in the workplace, but in many cases this isn’t really necessary. A well-prepared presentation by a recognised expert can achieve far more, purely because it’s more of a hands-on approach. A competent coach can tailor the message to each individual delegate, as opposed to the more scatter-gun approach of an organised physical event.
Variety is the spice of life
Any group of employees that attends a coaching session, whether there are four of them or forty, has to be seen by the speaker as a disparate band of individuals. Assuming them to be an autonomous conglomerate rather than separate entities is a dangerous tack, and will inevitably lessen the chances of success. The very best coaches maintain the balancing act of talking to a group while at the same time speaking to individuals.
Of all the tools that can be used to help with a team discussion, PowerPoint remains the number one choice for most speakers. However, there are many more that can be utilised and incorporating alternative methods is always a good idea. If the message is delivered with a bit of a twist, it’s more likely to be remembered.
One aspect of coaching sessions that is often overlooked is the provision of written materials for delegates to take away with them afterwards, or an online sharing function to receive copies of the presentation or supporting slides and documents. It’s somewhat surprising to know some speakers feel there’s no need to supplement the message with text, but this can be a huge mistake. If you’re speaking to a group in a workplace you should always assume the audience are attending other similar events that month – when you do that, you can then appreciate there is very little chance of any individuals remembering all the things you’ve said.
Keep the message clear and simple
Needless to say, you don’t have to supply an expensive and potentially unnecessary booklet to accompany your coaching session. It’s often the case that a few sheets of text and diagrams is enough to suffice. Remember, keep written documents simple and concise, and never underestimate the power of bullet points! Many offices these days use remote workers or virtual set-ups, so having materials available online, or a chat function to answer questions and follow-ups marks out a great coach from the average ones.
Motivating a group of individuals can be a difficult task, but for the coaching professional it represents an intriguing challenge. Research shows that people in all sectors of industry respond to feel-good success stories, so a good strategy would be to include a tale or two of companies that have managed to turn things around after improvements to morale levels in the workplace.
Team spirit can be an inconsistent factor, however, and it’s hugely important to bear in mind that it can change very suddenly and with dramatic effect. Even at the end of the most successful morale-boosting coaching session, a series of negative events in the workplace can undermine all the good work that has been done. The wisest business owners and directors will know that staff morale should always be seen as a work in progress.
Finally, a vital factor in the success of any coaching session, but especially one that’s intended to boost morale, is the demeanour of the individual coach. If you provide a dry, unemotional experience for the delegates they will take nothing from it. While I’m not suggesting you burst into the room like Ronald McDonald when he’s overdone the energy drinks, you should at least be enthusiastic and energetic. And above all, you have to project a positive image at all times.
About the Author/Further Resources
Ryan Toms is based in the UK and writes extensively on business coaching and motivation for a virtual office start-up consultancy.
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Goals You Can Control
Early Jackson, shares his coaching expertise and knowledge in this weeks guest post:
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Goals You Can Control …
By Early Jackson …
Zig Ziglar, a motivational speaker and inspiration to thousands through his books and products once said, “Things are the way they are because we are the way we are.” I have found this to be a tough but valuable truth to live by. Often our largest challenge in life will not come from anything external, but the internal wrestling of procrastination. As a coach, I speak to people about what they wish to happen for them. Usually the reality is a disconnection with what they want and how they act. We spend too much time focusing on what we can’t control instead of what is within our reach.
In the late 1920’s at the turn of the industrial revolution America implemented a system of evaluating employees, especially factory workers. If a person on an assembly line at location ‘A’ was clocked at 85% efficiency, great attention would be given to the 15% that was lacking. This created a unique problem. The person would not get better, but worse. Why you may ask? Because wherever focus goes, energy flows. People do not progress by focusing where they lack, but by emphasizing their strengths. The system of correcting behavior was flawed mainly because the attention was placed on the wrong statistic.
Many do not attempt their goals at all because they see the task of planning for them as a huge mountain they cannot conquer. Half the battle is developing the right strategy and the goals that once were impossible, are easy to obtain. Instead of giving your precious focus to the negatives surrounding your desires, begin to assess what you already possess.
Here are a few things that you can control:
- Your perception: My mother always said, “You can’t stop a bird from flying over your head but you can stop it from building a nest on you.” You and you alone control how you think. No one is so powerful that they can make you think a certain way. People are there to influence, but the end result is yours to handle.
- Your attitude: If what you think is based on perception, how you think is a result of an attitude. Life goes on even if you have a bad day. How you respond to life is going to determine what you get out of it. It is a proven fact that people with a better attitude live a more fulfilling lifestyle.
- Your time and schedule: Time is the only currency you can never earn more of. It is far better to lose money then your time. You can always earn more cash, but once time is invested and loss, it is gone forever. It is your responsibility to guard your time and use it wisely.
- Your circle of influence: We all have wished at some time or another that we could have chosen our family members. But the reality is, you have the family God wanted you to have. What you can choose is who gets into your ‘space’. Focus on who you are allowing into your life because that’s who will have influence.
Actions are simply our response to our motivation. Once the fire has been lit we have to move quickly to implement our goals and use that momentum. Life gives us what we are willing to put into it. Goals aren’t prejudice nor play favorites. Goals show up completed when the person pursuing them employs consistent effort and planning.
See you at the TOP!
Early Jackson
About the Author/Further Resources
Early L. Jackson Jr., profoundly recognized as a Social Activist, has been laboring to bring balance, skill, relevance and understanding to people of all nationalities. After effectively overcoming a stretch of drug addictions, Early has highly developed himself to become a successful life coach. As a result Early has had the opportunity to speak at such prestigious institutions as Rider University, The University of Phoenix, Jefferson Hospital, The Philadelphia Board of Education, The University of Pennsylvania and even on Carnival Cruiseline. He has also served diligently as an educator, a conference and seminar host as well as a radio and television personality in the Greater Philadelphia area for more than thirteen years. Coach Early was recently featured on The Hampton Roads show and is a regular contributor to “Inside Business” The Hampton Roads Business Journal as well as a writer for ” Examiner.com” a dynamic entertainment, news and lifestyle network that serves more than 20 million monthly readers across the U.S. and around the world. In addition, he is acclaimed for his work as a life coach working with individuals, couples, families and professionals in designing and living extraordinary lives. Early, has a special ability to build leaders, while developing people to a life of happiness, with deep, lasting satisfaction and fulfillment.
Early is known for his passionate teaching, humor and genuine love for people. Drawing from experience as a leader in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm, he proclaims a liberating message of empowerment to those who lack a voice of affirmation. He is known as ‘the constant encourager’ to many who seek a greater experience of true achievement.
Early Jackson, happily married to his wife Cherese, is a heavily sought after teacher and conference speaker; he has been invited to speak both nationally and internationally. He is the author of “Groomed For Greatness: 31 Days To An Empowered Life”, 50 Affirmations For Next Level Living”, “Tweet Your Way To Greatness” and “10 Mistakes I Made Before 30 & How To Avoid Them” as well as a variety of Coaching CD series. His overarching belief “If we are to exercise our full status and potential in this life we must be retrained in our daily behavior and mind sets” is a prevalent and recurring theme in his teachings.
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Coaching and motivating clients, part two 1
This is the second of two coaching posts with some pointers if you get “stuck” motivating a client.
Last week’s coaching post “Coaching and motivating clients, part one” talked about who was asking about motivation, asked what motivation means and assisting your client to tap into their natural desire.
Notice the impact of your words
Often as a coach, when the question of motivation comes up, you are looking for your client to take some action. Aid that physical movement by adding a sense of “movement” and momentum in the language you use in your conversation and questions.
My high school English teacher would no doubt shake his head in despair at the following but this is not a post designed to give linguistic labels and detailed explanations.
This section is not only here to get you to move once, it’s here to get you moving.
Adding “ing” to a word often gives a greater sense of movement and momentum so can assist your client to find answers and actions that will help them to turn that momentum into reality.
For example, you can get different answers and responses to using the word “motivated” compared to “motivating.”
Commitment and accountability
Inviting your client to make a commitment and the accountability that this brings can make it much easier for a client to complete a task. You may even argue that it can make it less easy for them to put it off until tomorrow and it never getting done.
Sure, depending on your client, they may still put it off to the last minute and only do it in the immediate hours before your next session but that is still likely to be more than they had done before.
Personally I like to invite clients to agree a specific time and drop me an email between sessions to confirm that they have taken that action. It has been known for specific clients to request that if I don’t hear from them to chase them up with my own email.
I’m aware that not every coach will be willing to offer that as an option. This works for me because of the way I structure my coaching practice as I have built in priority email contact for clients in my coaching packages.
I’m also comfortable providing that accountability as I always phrase it as an invitation, giving the option for the client to decline. This means that the extra accountability is the clients by their own choice.
Just do it
Sometimes, some clients will get so caught up in wanting to explore the why and thinking there is something deeply wrong with them. In reality all that has happened is that they haven’t made taking that action a priority. They have done something else in the time that they could have done this action.
Now there may, or may not, have been good reason to have prioritised something else instead. Regardless of the “cause” the reality is still the same the action/task is still to be completed.
Question for the coach: What would have to happen to make completing this a priority for this client?
Sometimes a really effective strategy can be to get the client to complete a task right then and there. This will obviously depend upon the client, the situation and what they wanted to get from the session.
For example, if they wanted to get motivation to make an appointment they had been putting off, invite them to make the call during the session.
You may not think of this as “traditional” coaching but it moves the client forward quickly and your client will not be concerned that you assisted them using something that isn’t likely to be in “coaching 101”.
Homework
This doesn’t mean overwhelm them with action steps as this can lead to them stopping again. It does mean that you can use “homework” to assist your client to get momentum going by taking the next step once they have started.
Some clients will find taking a huge leap easier than just a small step so consider this when choosing/discussing homework, if any, for your client.
Questions to consider: “What is a really easy next step to take?”
“What would be a fun next step to take?”
Challenge your client
If you have a client who has committed to take action, you’ve done everything you can think of to facilitate that and yet they repeatedly have not taken that action, there is probably something else going on. Don’t be afraid to share what you have observed.
Your role is there to assist them to get value from your work together however it’s a two way relationship, they can’t just be passive. For some clients, in some instances, challenging your client can provide the avenue that your client needs to share what is going on for them.
Sometimes it can reveal an obstacle that for some reason your client hasn’t shared with you.
On other occasions (usually in situations when they are not paying for the coaching themselves) they may not see the value of coaching. For example, in a business when they have been told they “have” to attend your coaching session. This can give you the opportunity to have a conversation about the value they want to get and explore how you can go about providing that.
Note:
I’m also going to mention at this stage that I personally believe that not every single client is going to be a perfect fit for every single coach – and vica-versa. Also sometimes coaching may not be the ideal solution for a particular client at a particular time.
If you and your client decide that you’ve gone as far as you can with your coaching together that does not automatically mean that you are a terrible coach and should beat yourself up about it. Just like I’d say that there it does not mean that there is anything “wrong” with your client. I suggest you learn what you can from working together and then move on.
These are just some of the things you could do and consider – what else would you add?
About the Author
Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.
She has created a free 7 day e-course about how to create your own unique coaching welcome pack that works for you and your clients. Get your copy here.
Coaching and motivating clients, part one 2
Last week’s coaching post was “What do you do if you get “stuck” in a coaching session?” This week I want to start to talk about a specific situation that may generate that feeling of being stuck – how to motivate a client.
Today’s post is in direct response to a request for “Statements to help motivate the client.” For reason’s I’ll explain in a moment I’m going to expand upon that request with the aim of providing some useful ways to move forward if you find yourself “stuck” and maybe even avoid it in the first place.
Even with just mentioning a few pointers, there is lots to be said so I am posting part one today with part 2 next Wednesday.
Over time you will develop your own coaching style, you will probably already have certain beliefs about what is a role of a coach. I reserve the right to be flexible about the roles that I take during a coaching session but one of the ones I personally often think of myself as is as a facilitator, or if you prefer a catalyst.
Which is why rather than just give a specific couple of questions or statements that you could learn like a script and recite I want to assist you to be able to produce your own and make a difference with each of your individual clients.
Is the client asking for help with motivation?
I ask not because I’m questioning your judgement as a coach, I ask because motivation is one of those things that can mean slightly different things to different people. It’s not like you can nip down to your local supermarket and buy a tin of motivation.
It’s so much easier for you as a coach to provide a service that delivers what your client is looking for, if you have a conversation about what that means to your client.
Question you may ask your client: “How will you know when this is motivating?”
As a coach, what are you looking to achieve by motivating your client?
I know that this can seem like an obvious question but there is a certain logic behind me asking this. Sometimes if you are stuck it can be because you are asking yourself a less than useful question. If “how can I motivate this client?” isn’t throwing up any useful answers let’s ask a different question – knowing what you want to achieve can open up a whole new range of questions for both you and your client.
Often coaches are looking for a way to assist a client to take action towards their goal. One way is to select a step that is really easy to take to get them started taking action – this is particularly useful if they are imaging a huge overwhelming task. For example, which appears easier – writing one chapter or a whole book?
Making the task seem more manageable can lead to your client taking action easily.
Look to add “fun” into the action – make it more pleasant to do. If a client is imagining that the next step will be as much fun as having a limb amputated with a blunt saw and no anaesthetic then they are not likely to be as keen to rush out and take action. If there is an enjoyment factor then it will be much easier for them to start taking action.
Questions that may be relevant to ask a client: “What would be an easy step to take?”
“How can that be even more fun?”
Assist your client to tap into their natural desire
Sometimes a client can get caught up in small detail and miss or lose sight of what they want to achieve. Assist your client by reconnecting them with that motivation so that they naturally have a desire to take action and move forward.
You may choose to ask them direct questions or use guided imagery about their final goal or completing the next stage. Remember that using a description that uses all senses will assist your client to envision something that is easier to connect with.
This is always easier if the “goal” you are working with is something that your client actually wants. Notice if you actually believe what your client is saying.
If you ever hear and see someone talk about something that they genuinely want and desire, there is a light in their eye and sound in their voice. If you are not hearing and seeing that you have the option to explore in more depth.
Next week we will talk about things such as the impact of words and commitment. Meanwhile if you want to share your own advice, or to ask questions feel free to do so below.
Read part two here.
About the Author
Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.
She has created a free 7 day e-course about how to create your own unique coaching welcome pack that works for you and your clients. Get your copy here.
Coaching Quote of the Day 7th December 2011
“Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.”
(Bo Bennett)
Coaching Quote of the Day 25th June 2011
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
(Jim Rohn)
Keep checking the view
This week, Jeff Weigh shares his thoughts about keeping your goals moving.
Keep checking the view
By Jeff Weigh
It’s great to be back guest writing for Coaching Confidence, and sharing more of my thoughts.
A break always gives you the opportunity to reflect, relax and decide on your next steps!
How often are you taking a break? Do you work all year; get to Christmas, Easter or summer holidays and then completely collapse; with no energy or enthusiasm to do anything? Many people do!
January is often the month when people take stock and reflect. Did you start the New Year with good intentions and New Year resolutions; like joining the gym or going on a diet? Did you relish the challenge and begin with great enthusiasm and energy. Or did you ‘have a go’ and quickly revert back to your comfortable lifestyle.
There’s no right or wrong, and there has to be a strong enough reason for doing something new or different. If you really want to ‘get fit’, then you will do. If you’re not as motivated to ‘get fit’, then you won’t.
If you’re one of those people who have ‘had a go’ and decided it’s not for you; great. Acknowledge that fact and ‘have a go’ at something else. Use your energy to focus on your next goal or challenge.
Take time out more often to reflect on what you achieved and where you want to go next.
Set yourself some challenges and by putting one foot in front of the other and taking one step at a time, you can cover a significant distance in a short space of time.
Occasionally look up at what lies ahead, and then remind yourself what’s to come. You can only deal and respond to what’s in front of you at any particular moment.
Reaching every goal gives you that feeling of achievement and exhilaration. It builds belief that other challenges (goals) can be conquered in your life.
Whatever your goals or challenges are for 2011, enjoy the moments along the way to achieving them. When you reach your goal; celebrate.
Have a great few months and I’ll be back sharing more soon.
Regards
Jeff
About the Author/Further Resources
Jeff Weigh is a husband & Dad, a “thought changer” as well as a business growth and personal development expert. He works with businesses and people who are passionate about what they do and focused on enhancing themselves and/or their businesses. Visit www.riseandshinetoday.co.uk for more details.
This is the second guest post from Jeff. To read his first one, Discover your Passion, click here