The Importance of Having a Coach
In an environment that is global and so quickly changing, design firms have additional new issues to confront. In order to build a successful business today, you are required to juggle a great deal – challenges brought about by economic challenges, changes and adjustments within the industry, additional client needs, the competition to find and retain top talent, and keeping a clear vision during these challenging times.
The constantly shifting changes create a need for new skills and new knowledge. And importantly, new approaches to solving new problems. We have often talked about the importance of a mindset of lifelong learning and it is still true today. And it will be tomorrow and next year, too! Along with an interest in learning, it is also valuable to develop resilience and adaptability – embracing change. These characteristics are important as the CEO of your firm. But you should also looking for these characteristics as you hire new team members. This will help your firm be more innovative and to strive for peak performance. Your entire team needs to be on board for achieving the goals you have set and for being held accountable. The coaches at GDCC not only celebrate your achievements but we are there to root for you and encourage you along the way. That is important in searching for a business coach – finding someone who cares as much about the success of your firm as you do.
As you work to manage all of the parts of your business and adjust to the changes that pop up, it can be very helpful to look for and hire a business coach. A third party is helpful as they can have a more unbiased view. They will see things that you and your team may be too close to, and may not consider. They can bring new ideas and viewpoints and share new information. They may also suggest changes that you view as disruptive. Yet that may be just what is needed to shake things up and help you move forward.
Business coaches are a positive addition as they address the needs of the entire firm. They concern themselves with individuals in the firm and the firm itself. A business coach is a mentor – someone to whom you can reach out for advice and information and who will help you develop SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Sensitive). In addition, they should help you develop smaller steps to reach those goals and hold you accountable.
Business coaches can also help you expand your leadership skills and raise your confidence as well as your problem-solving abilities. Here at GDCC we can also help you expand your networking and open doors to new opportunities and new connections. We might suggest someone who specializes in helping to develop your messaging more effectively, or a firm that may help you with bookkeeping services, or marketing, or suggestions of where to look for new hires.
Consider this quote from Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks and former University of Southern California coach. “Each person holds so much power within themselves that needs to be let out. Sometimes they just need a little nudge, a little direction, a little support, a little coaching, and the greatest things can happen.” If you are thinking about bringing on a business coach to help drive your firm to the next level, consider how it will benefit you and your firm – and then take action!
