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When you sign on a client do you feel joyous, happy and excited?
And what about after the initial rush passes…do you feel deserving and confident your new client made an awesome choice in choosing YOU to help them?
Or do you let a thread of doubt creep in…wondering if perhaps you’re going to fail them in some way.
First, know that your path and your client’s met at this time for a purpose, and that purpose is for you to show up fully in your brilliance and to come from a place of deep, caring service.
Which doesn’t mean you have to turn yourself inside-out to please, accommodate unreasonable demands on your time, or put up with bad behavior such as missed coaching/consulting sessions, late payments or excuses about why they haven’t gotten their butt into action.
You deserve respect.
And respect starts within YOU.
So in your coaching/consulting relationship, here are 3 Courageous Coaching® tips you can do to create respect and establish a close-knit working relationship with your client.
Courageous Coaching® tip #1: Make Clear Agreements
Let your client know at the beginning of your work together how you handle missed or late appointments, how you’ll hold them accountable to the actions they want to make, and any other basic ground rules you feel are important.
This isn’t about you coming off as a bad-ass – think of this as setting clear boundaries that create a framework for your success together.
Courageous Coaching® Tip: What you’re seeking isn’t to define expectations, but to establish an agreement. So as you run through your checklist of how you work, ask if this is something yoru client can agree to.
Courageous Coaching® tip #2: Embrace Leading A Courageous Conversation
One of the teachings I coach all of my certified coach training clients on is the art of leading a Courageous Conversation. This is where you take a deep breath, exhale and take an empowered leadership approach to clearing up any glitches in your client relationship. The key is not to speak up when you’re feeling triggered or blamey.
The first Courageous Coaching® step? Own your part in letting something slip, then get clear on the outcome you want to create now. Your clients will love your courage and you modeling for them what integrity in action looks like.
Courageous Coaching® tip #3: Don’t Worry About ‘Hurt Feelings’
Women often hold back from being bold in their coaching because they worry about hurting the other person’s feelings. But your client doesn’t need you to protect their feelings – they need you to help them see through their blind spots.
Ask yourself, “If worrying about hurting their feelings were no longer important, what would I say or how would I handle this situation?”
This question will unlock your truth so you can be fierce and elegant in your coaching.
Want to know more about my Courageous Coaching® training program? Click here today
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