Don’t be a jaded cop

This is absolutely accurate! And it is a terrifying reality. As a coach, it’s easy to forget that your 40th hour of coaching is a client’s 2nd or 3rd hour of training.

The space, program, moves, names and execution can feel all too familiar and unexciting for a coach. But for a client, it can feel overwhelming, exciting, nerve-racking or just challenging. They are giving me time, money and energy to be there. I need to work hard to remind them why it’s worth it. Being a jaded cop is not an option.

We need to constantly ask ourselves how does a client feel as they do this? What are they going through? Is it interesting and useful for them.

The added challenge for me is the equipment bit. I get quite excited about a new design or new way of building something. But it means absolutely nothing if the client does not find it useful, interesting and comfortable to use the new gadget. It has to add value. And it has to be self evident and apparent. If you have to explain it, sell it too hard and extol the virtues of something, chances are you’ve lost the client.