I’ve been having a blast helping small business owners to set goals that really work (Magnetic Goals) to keep them on track and moving forward, generating great results, and have a lot of fun along the way. I continue to be filled with joy as I see the results of our work together – they have great businesses, fantastic lives, and help others to do the same.
People come to me from all walks of life, for all kinds of reasons, but there is one thing about the coach/client relationship that benefits many of them more than they ever dreamed possible – accountability. In a coaching relationship that means declaring what you will accomplish to move forward and have the results you truly desire, and giving your coach permission to check in with you on your progress.
Some of my clients were stuck in inertia for months – even years. As hard as they tried to motivate themselves it wasn’t until they brought in a success partner, a coach, that things started moving – and move they did! They set goals, found remarkable courage, learned new tools, and achieved, even over-achieved, their most important goals at amazing speed. One of the major reason they reach the goals they set is accountability. Why does being accountable to someone else work? There are many reasons and much research on the topic but perhaps it’s enough to know that accountability is easy to implement, and when done right, it really works!
For a few of my clients, our coaching does not include a formal structure for keeping them accountable because they have developed strong self-accountability. But for others, as they learn to be accountable to themselves, they need both a carrot and a stick to keep moving forward and getting great results.
The carrot – a conversation of celebration where we both “do the happy dance” in celebration of what they have accomplished. The stick – the thought of reporting that they did not make the choices that would lead to the accomplishment of what they committed to do (to themselves – not me!) and the acknowledgment their business success took a back seat to something else. They know we will be shining a light on how they make their choices and it helps them stay focused on the goals they set.
If you think that being accountable to someone who can help keep you on track (without guilt or criticism), make great choices, and celebrate your “wins” – consider having a the built-in accountability that a great coach can provide.
I accept a small number of private clients, and my coaching style is not for everyone, but I’d love you to consider me as your accountability partner in your business success. Click here for more information and let’s talk!
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Patricia -thanks for your wonderful feedback. I know sometimes the concept of a stick sounds a bit harsh (not my intention) but whatever motivation works until the carrot is enough to keep the momentum going is a good thing! Many folks just need to get past their own intertia before they can even see carrots -the great results! I enjoyed our project together. You are a gift to the world!
Intuitively I knew Cathy would be approachable – something about the magnetic smile I guess. Then I contacted her to work collaboratively on a small project. She always brought the carrot. Neither one of us needs the stick. She was dependable, knowledgeable and we stayed right on track. As a business coach leading the way to inspire introverts everywhere, I can say without hesitation I would recommend Cathy to anyone stuck in their small business. Go Cathy!
Patricia Weber