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Why coaches need coaches – what you learn from having your own coach
At Striive we believe in the power of coaching. But that doesn’t stop at the coach/client relationship. We think that all coaches, teachers, and trainers in the wellness and fitness world should also receive coaching. Here’s what you stand to gain from being on the client end of the coaching relationship.
6 surprising ways being coached will improve your coaching business
1. Experience what it’s like to be a coaching client – it’s easy to forget how it feels to be brand new and in unfamiliar surroundings. Becoming the client can be a valuable reminder.
2. The opportunity for self-reflection on your coaching practices as you experience someone else’s onboarding, coaching, check ins, feedback, and communication style.
3. The chance to see what works (and what doesn’t) about your coach and bring things into your business – or know what to avoid.
4. The opportunity to pick up coaching styles, coaching cues, and other skills that may be useful for your clients.
5. Practice what you preach by believing in the value of coaching, and actively investing in it. This can be a powerful marketing tool or even a USP for your reputation as a coach.
6. The chance to recognise and acknowledge different learning styles (and developments in coaching styles) which will make you a better coach.
Want to connect with other coaches to build a support network? Have a read of our blog How To Build A Support Network For Fitness Entrepreneurs
How your fitness business can suffer if you don’t get coached
There are many compelling reasons for coaches to work with coaches – not necessarily in the same discipline, but in any skill. But it takes time that you might not have. After all, you’re working hard on your own coaching business.
So what would happen if you went through your fitness career without being on the client end of the coaching relationship? Are there any tangible risks to not getting coached when you’re a coach yourself?
We think so. Here’s how your business could eventually suffer if you never invest in coaching for yourself.
Stuck in a rut
If you don’t experience being coached – especially in something physical and skills-based – you run the risk of being stuck in your bubble of things you assume work fine. This can result in you reusing the same outdated, ineffective, or perhaps even damaging coaching cues.
Not so blissfully unaware
If you never experience being coached, you risk becoming unaware of good and bad coaching habits, whilst other coaches upskill and leave you in the dust. This will only get worse as the years go by.
Out of the loop
The longer you spend in your own bubble, without experiencing being a client, the longer you spend in your echo chamber. You’ll miss out on experiencing what’s new, different, and worth trying.
The empathy gap
One of the most valuable things you’ll get from being a coaching client is knowing what it feels like to be a client. This is an eye-opening experience which will transform how you onboard, communicate, deliver feedback, and deal with your own clients.
Despite our best efforts it can get crunchy with clients at times, so if you find yourself dealing with a slippery fish have a quick read of our guide Problem Clients and How to Handle Them.
How to build coaching into your professional and personal development
We urge you to think about being coached as a professional development tool. It’s an amazing way to step outside your daily bubble, experience the coaching relationship as a client, and get a glimpse into other people’s best practices.
How about challenging yourself to get coached in one new skill or discipline a year, even if that’s just for a short intro block? It doesn’t have to be sporty. There’s a lot to be learned from teachers and coaches in art, music, and other skills that may be out of your comfort zone.
If you want to keep it more familiar, seek out a new sport or training style that will make you feel like a beginner all over again.
