COACHING

 I worked in the corporate world for over 20 years.  Coaching became a 'thing'.  Managers were coerced to have periodic consultations with their employees to view their performance, make suggestions, and offer 'coaching' to aid and assist them in any areas they needed to improve upon.  I say 'coerced' because the managers would sometimes comment to me about the coaching aspect of their jobs; it was not a task they were enthusiastic about.  Some managers provided boring data or power point presentations as they did a verbal recap of each page at each meeting.  I learned a few things.  A good manager can obtain great results through consistency, honesty, providing valuable updates, and new programs and knowing the details and mechanics of his team.  Allowing the team to provide their input works.  Managers are not necessarily leaders.  A little humility can help, too.

Coaching became a thing in the business world, too.  The executives of large corporations brought in mentors and consultants and inspirational speakers to chat about topics for prospecting, servicing, and inspiring their managerial staff and high-level performers.  I guess they didn't think the rest of the team was worthy.  Sales people set up regular coaching seminars and consultation to get them on track for increased sales or help with their closings.  Closings are when you are working with a client in sales and you succeed with a completed transaction.  Ratios are formulated; the difference between the referrals/prospects and closed transactions.  In my line of work, mortgage, the fall-out ratio was of particular importance i.e. how many of them did not get to closing versus the number of loan applications that did. 

I also learned coaching requires patience and time.  Working with people, I have been on one side or the other.  I have needed help. Requested help. Got some help.  Now, I have the tools to use what I have learned from other people as well as my own experiences.  I am confident and yet know I have so much more to learn and look forward to future connections and opportunities.  

I had a woman, actually two, whom were part of my women's networking group.  Both had lost their husbands due to illness and both had to continue with the business as it was their primary source of income.  The women met through my networking events.  Consulted with me periodically.  And, became friends and sought out the help and camaraderie of other professional business women in the group.  Through thick and thin they learned and grew.  One of the women recently sold her business for a profit which enabled her to retire and move to a more suitable home closer to family.  The other woman has managed to add different products and increase her profits.  Coaching is in different forms.  The formula remains much the same.  Shared knowledge and support along with the acceptance of the challenge equals positive outcomes.

Know and understand coaching requires dedication, empathy, and a systematic approach.  There are many options and opportunities on-line as well.  There are coaching specialists for specific types of goals from experts in the industry such as increasing real estate sales or car sales.  There are books written by coaches or podcasts which can be used during the quiet/learning period of your work week.  There are usually fees for coaching services.  The expense will range and can fit your budget and availability.  Your diligence, your fortitude, your drive to learn-to-learn will be rewarded in time.  Focus.  Learn.  Listen.  Lead by example.