I am a business interested in your listed service
I am an expert interested in your network
I have a project in mind
I can’t find a specific service
I’d like to discuss something else
I’d like to join your expert network
I offer a service that's not listed
I'd like to discuss something else
What I’m about to ask may feel really leftfield, but stick with it, there’s a reason why I’m asking which will become clear.
What emotions did you go through before your very first date?
I remember mine. I was what psychological professionals define as ‘bricking it’. What will they think of what I’m wearing? Will they like my conversation? Is where I’ve chosen to go to their liking? What if this person is not who they seem? Etcetera etcetera.
Now in my 10+ years of Executive Coaching, there have been times where I’ve noticed similar moments of awkwardness in the people exploring whether they would like Executive Coaching or Leadership Development with Ispire MC or not.
I don’t think it was to do with what I was wearing. But that feeling of complete uncertainty entering a conversation with someone is where the similarities to that first date can come from. And I completely get it.
It’s human nature to be apprehensive approaching something for either the first time, or to enter a similar experience with memories of a previously bad experience. These moments of interaction often test us in ways we consciously and unconsciously appreciate…and they mean something to us.
So how can these be overcome?
Well, here’s a few top tips that can help interactions with a new Coach feel less awkward, and build the confidence and trust between you both from the outset.
With these things in mind, you can come into that first exploratory discussion aware of yourself, and the reactions you have going on. The coach should be doing the same (well, I know the Ispire ones do because we see it as an important factor in being an effective Executive Coach), and rest safe in the knowledge you’ll either find a Coach you believe you can work with from that discussion, or understand something important to you as to why another one might work.
Graham