Habits of an Effective Coach: Habit 7- Sharpen the Saw

Coaching has a vital role in the world of business. Many people start out in business without a clue how hard it will be. Creativity and enthusiasm quickly vanish under swathes of paperwork and the excitement of running a company fast turns to hassle and tedium. With business coaching, businessmen can learn how to hone themselves to be successful in order to grow their businesses. However, being an effective coach can be very challenging. There are a lot of ways on how to coach effectively and you would want to consider which method is applicable for you.

Stephen R. Covey, the author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, talks about “continuous improvement”, which includes both the personal and interpersonal spheres of influence. A coach always has a moment when he needs to regain his strength and perspective. You may not notice it, but sometimes, after a day’s work, your body is too exhausted. Every coach needs to take time renewing his/her physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional values. Balance and renew your resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle. Thus, it will result in a productive business coaching.

Caring for the physical body is a must. A good form of exercise that can be done at home should build your body in three areas: endurance, flexibility, and strength. Everyone feels good if they are physically fit. Surely, physical appearance will motivate your coachees to follow your advice if they see that you are fit for that kind of profession.

Fears and doubts are our second nature. Nothing hinders success more than being afraid of failure and nothing holds us back more than doubting one’s own skills. Two things can help break through the glass ceiling: acceptance of the nature of things, and determination. Uplifting spiritual dimension shows the way in winning against the daily battles you can face in the business world. It provides leadership to your life.

Mental awareness is important for a coach. We gained 75% of our intelligence from formal education. However, it doesn’t mean that we stop learning as soon as we finish school. There’s no better way to be informed on a regular basis than getting into the habit of reading. You can even read any new articles from the internet. Writing is another powerful way of sharpening the mental saw. It makes the mind organize, plan and visualize. Having a sound mind helps you think clearly, reason accurately and to be understood effectively.

Socializing with others will help you get along with people of different behaviors. If you often meet a lot of people, you will learn how to approach and adjust with each personality. You can do it normally every day.

According to Covey, “although renewal in each dimension is important, it only becomes optimally effective as we deal with all four dimensions in a wise and balanced way. To neglect any one area negatively impacts the rest”. You need to be committed in renewing all of them.

Implementing Habit 7 in your career will make a difference. Remember, good business coaches provide guidance, support, accountability and encouragement to their customers.

 

Create a powerful day!

Cherry A. Collier, Ph.D., MCC, CNLPMC, RCC, CPCC

Chief Collaboration Officer, Master Certified Executive Coach & Inclusion Strategist

Personality Matters Incorporated provides many services including coaching, leadership, and organizational development. It is Personality Matters, Inc.’s goal to help facilitate the necessary resources and tools to help individuals and organizations grow to achieve their goals.

  1. 4. PEOPLE or 919.473.6753

Email: mypersonalitymatters@gmail.com

Blog: https://drcherrycoaching.com/myblog/

Web Personality Matters: www.pmatters.org

Web Dr. Cherry: https://drcherrycoaching.com/

Sources:

https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits.php

Covey, Stephen R. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Free Press: 1989

http://www.international-coaching-news.net/blog/2013/10/31/10-habits-effective-business-coaches/

http://www.duport.co.uk/advisor/office/business-coaching/business-coaching-benefits.php

Image: Shutterstock paid subscription all rights reserved

Dr. Cherry

Cherry A. Collier, Ph.D. is an Organizational Psychologist, Strategist, Executive Coach, and Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging Consultant for Personality Matters, Inc. Her science-based approach and brain-based techniques, propel people, teams, and organizations to build bridges and work from the inside out to achieve their goals. Dr. Cherry specializes in emotional intelligence, neuroscience, leadership development, and DEI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She received her Doctorate and Master of Science in Applied Social/Organizational Psychology from the University of Georgia and Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Spelman College. She is the author of more than twenty-five Human Behavior related books for leaders, executives, and coaches. Dr. Cherry is often called the DEI Whisperer because she has a unique ability to fiercely “hold the space” and be totally present which creates a psychologically safe environment that allows others all the space they need to fully express themselves. She listens to others with head, heart and hands approach so that they are heard, seen and understood.