Small business coaching can include a lot of topics. You may have one coach who is a one-stop-shop, or you may have a handful of coaches helping you from different angles. Entering into a coaching program could be finite or it could be an ongoing experience. The key is knowing if you may have outgrown your coach and whether you need a change.
Can I outgrow my coach?
Depending on why you hired your coach, you may have maximized what they can teach you. Bonds form when you have a successful coaching experience and it can blur the line between coaching and colleague. There are some important things to consider that can help you determine when you might need a change.
Signs you may need a change
Your coach feels like your friend- When your coaching time feels more like friendship, it may be time for a change. Coaching should feel somewhat formalized. If you have a great rapport with your coach, you may have developed a mutual friendship which can cloud the coaching relationship.
You haven’t reached your goals- If you have not been able to reach your goals, coaching may not be working. Check in with your coach and ask for an assessment or review of your coaching and try to determine why you aren’t achieving your goals. It might be you; it might be them, or any combination. The bottom line is if you aren’t reaching your goals, coaching may not be working.
You’ve stopped feeling motivated- Coaching should be invigorating…and a bit scary sometimes, but it should never feel boring. If you are going through the motions in coaching, it’s probably a sign you need a change. If you are putting off activities for coaching until the last minute or find yourself resenting having to keep up with your coach’s expectations, it’s a sign you may need a change.
You feel like you’ve done it already- If your coach keeps assigning you the same tasks or teaching you the same material, you may have reached mastery and need to make a change. Some coaches don’t change their platform for coaching over time. If you feel like you’re hearing the same thing over and again, you may have outgrown your coach and are ready for a new experience.
How do I disengage from coaching?
Coaching is a business decision. Coaching is meant to be a short-term gig. Your coach may have a protocol for disengaging from coaching or you may simply need to write a resignation-type email. It’s important not to feel guilty or a sense of loss. Don’t confuse coaching with other inter-personal relationships. It’s normal to feel the pangs of change, but you should always remember, coaching is a business agreement and you should not be paying for something that is not a good return on your investment.
The best news about disengaging from coaching is the opportunity to branch out with a new coach and explore different opportunities or to simply graduate and rest assured you have the knowledge you need for your small business.
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