Business coaching is a popular method of development for CEOs and business owners. And while a business coach might seem like a good solution to solve problems and produce growth, it’s important to understand what they do and whether they can help. So let’s break down the ins and outs of what a business coach provides. 

Before we dive deeper, it’s important to understand the difference between a business coach and a consultant. You might think they’re the same, but they actually have different approaches when it comes to assisting clients. A business coach’s main focus is goal setting and development with the client taking the lead. A consultant typically has a specific area of expertise and draws on their knowledge to analyze and provide solutions. While consultants offer direct support in areas like technology and finances, a business coach is more tailored towards goals, personal development and strengths and weaknesses of the business they’re working with.

Now that we’ve made that distinction, let’s go into what a business coach is. A business coach supports individuals or teams to identify their goals, develop skills, and reach their full potential. The idea is to help understand strengths and weaknesses and then use tools and resources to help the client make changes. A business coach can offer valuable insights and perspectives that clients might not have considered before. They also foster an atmosphere of trust in which the client can share their difficulties and challenges. They then motivate their client by asking questions and pinpointing areas that need improvement, leading to progress and growth. It’s a collaborative process that requires a commitment and an open understanding from both the coach and the client

Some of the fundamentals for business coaching are: 

Goal Setting – A business coach can help filter through ideas and identify goals for your business. These should be realistic and relevant goals that can be performed by you and your team. A business coach will then work with you to strategize and utilize the tools you need to achieve these goals. 

Skill Development – Achieving goals can only be successful with the right skill sets, which is what a business coach will help develop or identify. Whether it’s improving on existing skills or learning new ones, such as leadership, communication or technical skills, you’ll be given a toolkit you can use throughout your business. 

Performance Improvements – A business coach will assess the performance of your business, meaning how successful it is at its current functionality. They will then determine areas that need improvement and will work with you to create strategies that produce positive results. 

Accountability – Perhaps the most important role of a business coach is to hold you accountable. It’s great to set goals, but only if you’re taking the steps to make them a reality. A business coach will check in with you regularly to make sure you’re making progress and talk you through it if you hit a roadblock. 

Problem Solving – In the heat of the moment, it can be challenging to clear your head and address a problem. A business coach is there to provide guidance and support to help you find the right solutions. 

A business coach can be a valuable asset to a manager or team looking to enhance their performance and reach for new goals. The objective is to create a positive and supportive environment where clients can be empowered to learn, grow, and achieve more success within their business. Client-led communication is a fundamental element of good business coaching. 

While a business coach can be a great tool, it’s absolutely crucial for a business to have a solid foundation in its operations. Without a smooth-running basic infrastructure, growth cannot be achieved successfully. This means that you have an onboarding system and a team that is well-informed and utilized effectively. You should be able to honestly assess your operations and whether your team has the capacity for new goals. Most importantly, your business shouldn’t 100% depend on you! You should be able to completely unplug and take a vacation without your business falling apart in your absence. When building your business, don’t skip over the necessary pieces and the true foundations of your business. Once you have your operations running like Clockwork, you can effectively use a business coach and scale your business successfully. 

But it’s important to remember that a business coach is not a one-size-fits-all solution. To have a positive experience, you should have a solid understanding of your company culture, your vision, and where you want to take your business. It’s crucial to be able to step back and reevaluate the situation if your business coach’s methods aren’t working or if your team is feeling overwhelmed. Maintaining open communication with your employees is key, as well as being honest with yourself about the progress you’re making.