Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google said he resisted the idea of working with a coach when first approached by the idea. He would say “after all, would a chef executive officer of a world-class company need a coach?” He followed up with “I don’t really need a coach. I’ve been an experienced CEO for many years. I’m not a kid, do you feel like there is something wrong with me that I need a coach?” One of the early investors at Google reminded him that tennis players have coaches at every level and especially if they want to become good. He went on to say that every famous athlete and every famous performer has somebody who has coached them to get better. A coach is someone who can watch what his coachee is doing and respond – is that what you really meant, did you really do that thing? A coach will give us perspective. One thing most of us are not good at is how we see ourselves as others see us. Eric Schmidt has been quoted as saying “Everyone Needs a Coach.” How about you?
Personally, I have enjoyed having a coach in my life for over 30 years. Some have been spiritual, one a sales coach, and of course one of my favorite is a life coach that reaches deeply into the depth of my being. My father used to tell me to find someone to invest in as a disciple maker and someone that will invest in your life. We need someone in our life that gives us coaching.
Five reasons we all need a coach.
- Your life, business, career, relationship, etc., may already be good, but you want it to be much, much better. Coaching isn’t a crisis intervention. Nor is it a substitute for psychotherapy, or advice from a professional such as an attorney, accountant, physician, etc. If things are basically good, but you know they could be a lot better and you’re ready for that to happen, that’s a great time for you to consider hiring a coach.
- You want YOU to be much, much better. Just because most things are going well, doesn’t mean you don’t want to improve them and that includes yourself. Many people hire a coach because they know they are built for more and they want to reach their full potential sooner, rather than later. This is different from being insecure. People derive considerable joy from stepping into their personal greatness. In fact, some people believe this is the single biggest source of happiness. Great coaches are experts at eliciting their clients’ personal greatness.
- You’re going through a big transition. Change can be difficult, even when it’s what you want. Anytime you go through a big transition such as starting a new business or career, getting divorced, moving to a new city, going back to school, etc.; it’s a great time to have someone who believes in you and who can help you make the most crucial choices as smoothly as possible. A good coach won’t take you on unless they truly believe in you.
- You’re a high achiever. This is the type of client I prefer to work with. High achievers tend to be driven and good at success, but they don’t always create the success they really want. If you’re ever wondered, “Is this all there is?”, or “How did I get myself into this and how do I get out?”, you could really benefit from working with a great coach. Everybody has a few blind spots. In fact, neuroscientists say we are unconscious of 95% of what goes on in our brains. Think about that! A good coach can see you as you are, without judgment, and help you be your best and achieve what you’re built to do. Just ask Google CEO, Eric Schmidt what he feels about who needs a coach and he will tell you “Everyone needs a coach.”
- You want more meaning in your life. “Meaning” is what makes your heart sing. It generally comes from doing what matters most to you. This gets much easier when you understand what you most value and find cool ways to express it. If life feels a little shallow, or you don’t know why you do what you do anymore, you could really benefit from working with a great coach.