I have had a few meetings with prospects and, when arranging to meet them at their premises, they have asked me not to let the receptionist know why I am there/what I do. While I found it a bit strange, I had not thought much of it until….I was discussing it with my own coach this morning. When I mentioned this she said I needed to “nip that mindset in the bud”. That comment prompted a further conversation as you can imagine. It really hit home that I need to lead by example!

I summarise my experience below:

  • The probable reason they asked me to not say I was a coach is they thought that having a coach might show weakness to their team
  • Which shows better leadership – to say you are the expert in everything or to recognise that you would benefit from help and support in certain areas?
  • Would your team be excited to know that you are actively trying to do your best to build your business into the best it can be and investing in its future?

While the above scenario has not happened much, those who asked me to not say what I do did not engage me as their coach. Is this reflective of their mindset or my coaching?

Considering they had no experience of my coaching, there is an argument that suggests their need for control and to be less than honest and open means they will never try anything new and if this is the case what will change?

Why you should allow a ‘lead by example’mindset

I am proud to have my coach. She makes me look at myself and what I am doing in a critical light, she questions me on my drivers to reinforce my “why”, she wants the best for me and from me, she keeps me focused on my goals, she pushes me and supports me at the right times – she is my unreasonable friend.

Think of the great sports people you know – do you expect them to have a coach? Think of successful people outside sports – Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Oprah (so successful she only needs one name!) and Sheryl Sandberg. Do you think they have a coach – THEY DO! All the best people do…

Decide now which camp you want to be in? The one with the open mindset that it is aiming for more or the one that is closed where little will change.  Get in touch to explore business coaching and find out about what others have been benefitting from for years.

Do you need help with your improving how to lead by example with your team? 

Give me a call and I would be happy help. More importantly, stop worrying about what might happen and take control of what you can control. Act now.

Email me at susanjacksoncousin@actioncoach.com, Call me on 07764586609 or why not book in with me you can book direct into my calendar by clicking here.