“Sometimes the smallest actions
can yield the greatest results.”
– Robert Hammond
Artist/Entrepreneur
"For who has
despised the day of small things?"
- The Prophet
Zechariah
Zechariah
4:10 / NASV
We are lost
in a culture that believes that what is good can be better by being
bigger. American's are obsessed with
big. Our TV's are big, our cars are big,
our stores are big, our drinks are big.
Even our food is big and to make it better, we are asked to "super
size" when we order. The truth is,
bigger is not always better. Sometimes,
especially when working with people, the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Here are four small steps you can do in
coaching that will give you big results.
Step 1. Be welcoming
Have you ever went to someone
for help and felt like you were wasting their time? Better question: Has you client ever felt
that way with you? When we greet people
with a frown and a rushed attitude we send a signal that they are invading our
time and they best get busy so we can be through. When a client comes to you, greet them with a
smile and warm hand shake. Spend a
moment finding out how they are and what their day is like. I once heard Dr. John Maxwell give a bit of
advice that I try to use regularly. It
is to give the person you meet a compliment within the first 30 seconds of
meeting. This not only makes others feel
good, but it also starts the meeting off on a good foot.
Step 2. Show interest
Be interested in the goals,
dreams and actions of your clients. Don't
just be looking to see if they do what you told them to do, but be interested
in where they are going and what they are doing to get there. Never talk about you in a coaching
session. You are not, never were, and
will not be the issue. It is all about
them and what they are doing. Listen
close to a session and if you use the words I or Me more than You, then you are
off base and need to refocus on what is important - the client.
Step 3. Ask questions
When coaching be sure to ask
open questions that demand an answer.
Keep away from yes and no questions like, "Are you doing
well?" or "Did you follow the assignments you had?" Rather ask, what and how questions like,
"What did you think about the work you have been doing?" or
"Explain to me what you goal is and how you plan to achieve it." This way you allow the client to express
their thoughts and dreams. When they can
talk more than listen they work through difficulties themselves and become more
independent as a thinker.
Step 4. Be encouraging.
Nothing is more powerful to the
person who is facing a challenge than someone they respect to honestly and
cheerfully say, "You can do this. I
believe in you!" A coach is always
the biggest cheerleader. Not because
they are paid to be, but because they really do believe in their client. You may not understand their dream (you don't
need to it is their dream, not yours), but you can believe they will achieve
it. If you see each client as someone
who was born to be great and do extraordinary things, you will be the best
encourager they will have.
You matter to the world. You are here to make a difference and that
difference is good. Remember the
qualities of a real success-minded person: Be your best. Love God.
Have good manners. Discover the unknown.
Change the world.
John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker,
and Life Coach. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books,
training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our
website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.
© 2014 John
Patrick Hickey
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