No Safety Net

Wind blowing all around him, Nik Wallenda (yes part of the Flying Wallendas family) walked across all 1400 feet of that stretched cable on June 24, 2013.  The cable swayed in the wind and Wallenda had to pause and crouch a few times while crossing. It was nerve wracking for me to watch.

The worst part– no net, no safety harness. Wallenda prefers working without one. He claims that a net “encourages a false sense of security, cockiness, increasing the possibility of death because nets don’t always save lives.”

I like clients like Nik.  I like his commitment to practice, his belief in his abilities and his willingness to keep moving forward in spite of the risk.

I like business coaching clients like Nik.  I like his commitment to practice, his belief in his abilities and his willingness to keep moving forward in spite of the risk.

Having worked with hundreds of clients and talked with an extensive network of other coaches, there are a few traits I’ve learned that are indicators of success when working with a coach, much like there are certain traits that will predict a successful tight-rope walker.

The first trait is commitment.  This takes several forms, but the most critical is a commitment to the process. Successful clients treat the coaching relationship as a real priority in their life, they are fully-invested and do not let the process become an “afterthought” or a distraction.

These committed business owners make sure they never miss an appointment and that they come prepared to each appointment.  They follow through on each commitment (homework) they make during their coaching sessions. This follow through helps them to become self-accountable.  

My most successful clients are coachable.  This means that they approach each conversation and opportunity with an open-mind, trust and faith in their potential.  These clients are willing to stretch their comfort zone, they are flexible, and committed to growing in their competency.