Ethical Entrepreneurship: Choosing a Coach Who Listens
Business coaches come from different industries, experience levels, backgrounds and educations. They have their own beliefs, methods of coaching and areas of expertise. In theory, they should spend most of their time listening, collaboratively brainstorming and holding space for their clients to find their own answers. But unfortunately, in many cases this isn’t what happens. I’ve had too many clients come to me after being talked into accepting expensive business coaching services, paying for large social media packages, being asked to engage in marketing that doesn’t align with their values and so on. In some cases, the entrepreneur is promised an outcome that feels too temping to resist. Note: if you are being promised an outcome that the person selling you services or products can not control then it’s time to start questioning it. And/or if the person coaching you doesn’t have official qualifications, lacks real life experience as a business owner or talks more than they listen - those are clear signs to walk away.
True business coaching consists of the coach actively listening to your unique experiences, brainstorming ideas, sharing resources and ask supportive questions. In the relationship, you are the expert in your own life and business. Your ideas, experience, concerns, fears, and achievements must be taken into consideration throughout the process. You lead the coaching relationship and set your own goals. That is how sustainable business and personal growth happens. The space should feel safe for you to share what you are struggling with throughout your entrepreneurship journey. As a coach, I might come up with ideas for consideration but I make it clear that if they don’t resonant with you specifically - then to leave them be. There should be a mutual goal to see you grow as an entrepreneur and that’s can’t happen without cultivating a safe and supportive environment. If the relationship consists of the coach giving advice that feels more like “if you don’t do this - your business will never work” that is not coaching and ultimately it does not end with long term business growth. Choosing to invest in coaching services can be an incredibly empowering and educational experience but it all comes down to who you choose.
Ask yourself, how do I feel about myself and my business after interactions with this person? Do I feel more empowered and educated? If not, it’s time to choose another path. As a coach, I believe that my clients are the experts in their own lives. They know what they want and my job is to help them set authentic, meaningful, and realistic goals to help them get it. My role is to hold space for the human who is experiencing the thrilling, terrifying, beautiful, and challenging ride that is entrepreneurship.
