The Value of an Executive Coach, the insight story

Insights on the benefits of coaching from a client

Why I Chose to Engage with an Executive Coach, a business owners’ personal perspective, by Jon Richardson, founder and owner of Overt Digital Media.

In all honesty, working with an executive coach was not something I had initially considered. Human Nature makes us very resistant to ask for help. Reaching out to someone we believe is more knowledgeable goes against the grain and is seen as a failure; however, I had reached something of an impasse. I wanted to grow my business but lacked the knowledge to drive it forward. I knew the end goal but didn't know how to get there. So, I turned to an executive coach and wanted to share my thoughts after the experience. 

The Friendship Trap

Often, we approach our friends when we need help, but I discovered two reasons my friends aren’t the perfect voice to assist me in this situation.

I have many friends who have businesses, but the curse of a small business owner is that you don't have time to discuss your business, getting time with them is challenging. Conversations with friends often go down rabbit holes rather than focusing on your business.

Secondly, running a business can be  overwhelming, and you need an honest opinion and an external perspective Not someone sympathetic who will blindly encourage you or someone who does not have the time and brushes you off with vague "just do it" soundbites. Friends do not want to be negative, so rather than giving a well-reasoned argument, tend to agree to bolster your confidence, which is excellent but not always the best way to make essential business decisions.

Enter the Executive Coach

When I attended our first session, I wasn't sure of the benefits a coach would bring, but I just needed to offload on someone to manage the stress of running a business. It turns out that is precisely what they are there for, plus more than I could ever have imagined!

The benefits I have gained from Executive Coaching:

•A lot more confidence – we are the harshest critics to ourselves. No one is harder on you than you! I often find myself thinking, 'well, that won't work', or 'are you completely stupid?'. A coach taught me that I am pretty much there, and with the addition of a sounding board and confidence to tweak plans – I have got this!

• The ability to identify imposter syndrome – if you haven't heard of imposter syndrome, have a quick google, but it is one of our biggest self-saboteurs – you are worthy, and you do have what it takes – you are not an imposter!

• Recognising the value, I, and my business, brings to my customers – having someone look from a completely different angle and then tell you what they can see with no fear of offending made me see the things I was doing right!

• The strength to walk away from bad business and focus on my core business – being agile and learning not to flog those dead horses is not failure; it is good business sense. Pivoting and adapting to find growth is sensible and beneficial.

So, if anyone has wondered about talking to an executive coach, my advice would be to go for it – I gained so much more than I could have hoped and now have a reliable 'third-person perspective' whenever I need to sound off.
 

Finding the right coach is key, do your research, ask for recommendations and meet a few coaches until you find a coach that you have rapport with and feel you can trust.

Jon Richardson

Founder and CEO, Overt Digital Media.

It is a pleasure to work with people like Jon, who are open minded, keen to learn, open to different perspective and hungry for growth and success.

If you think coaching can help and add value to you and your business, please get in touch at

www.debbietaylorleadership.co.uk