Running a business or practice can be a daily challenge. Everyone else seemingly does it so easily, so why does it sometimes seem like so much hard work? Business owners don’t always have someone they can turn to for answers to daily frustrations, which is why more and more are looking to find a business coach. The most common issues revolve around people, money and time. In particular, the lack of it. This question and answer series of articles provides scenarios for practice and business owners to find answers to those frustrating situations.
Q: I have been considering getting a business coach and have discussed this with my accountant, who said I don’t need it and that he can provide what a coach provides. The question is now difficult for me to assess, because I’m now not sure that what he can give me is the same as I would get from a good coach. Could you please enlighten me?
We love our accountants. Truly. They ensure that we comply with all the regulations, pay the right amount of tax (preferably no more than we need to), help us interpret figures from a regulatory point of view and assist us in understanding where we stand financially. However,
they are not in our business.
You have a role as the leader of your business to do a number of things. One of the most important is setting the vision and path for your company. No-one else can do this for you; it is your business and your vision. As the leader, you must set the course, develop the systems and processes in all areas of the business; make sure your staff are trained in those processes and understand the need to stick with them; develop your marketing, sales and customer service strategies and systems and so on.
Another important thing you have to do as the head of your business is to learn how to develop and bring out the best in your people. That’s what leaders do. Many leader/managers simply ‘boss’, supervise, or, sadly in the case of a few, bully, or even abdicate. Effective leaders become the coaches of their own team, empowering those around them to manage daily operational problems, rather than running around themselves constantly fixing things. Effective leaders also know how to ask, listen, encourage, inspire and give constructive feedback. And a lot, lot more. These are just some of the aspects in which a good business coach can help you. If your accountant can coach you in all of these aspects of the business then take him up on his offer. If not, then consider taking on a good business coach.
Watch for Part Seventeen…coming next week!
Until next time…
P.S. Learn more about working ON your business–talk to the coach! Click here to connect with me!