In the latest episode host, John Golden engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ryan Crittenden, the leader of Excel Coaching and Development. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for leaders looking to adopt a coaching mindset.

Understanding Coaching: Beyond the Sports Analogy

Misconceptions About Coaching

John Goldin opens the episode by addressing a common misconception: many people equate coaching with the authoritative style seen in sports, where coaches dictate actions and strategies. Ryan Crittenden clarifies that true coaching in a leadership context is fundamentally different. It’s about facilitating growth rather than directing actions.

The Essence of True Coaching

Ryan emphasizes that effective coaching involves asking insightful questions that help individuals discover their own solutions. This approach fosters greater engagement and ownership of work, as employees feel empowered to take initiative and develop their problem-solving skills.

Actionable Advice:

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage team members to think critically and explore different solutions.
• Facilitate Self-Discovery: Guide employees to uncover their own answers, which leads to more sustainable growth and development.

The Shift from Micromanagement to Coaching

Embracing a Partnership Mentality

Ryan discusses the importance of shifting from a micromanagement style to a coaching approach. Leaders must recognize the value of their team members and allow them the freedom to operate independently. This shift requires a partnership mentality, where leaders support their employees in finding their paths to success.

Benefits of a Coaching Approach

Adopting a coaching mindset not only enhances team dynamics but also makes leadership more enjoyable. Leaders can alleviate the pressure of controlling every aspect of the work, leading to a more positive and productive work environment.

Actionable Advice:

• Empower Your Team: Trust your team members to take ownership of their tasks and make decisions.
• Support, Don’t Direct: Provide guidance and resources, but allow employees to find their own solutions.

Overcoming the Hurdles of Coaching

Building Trust

John raises the challenge many leaders face when transitioning from a directive style to a coaching approach. Ryan identifies trust as the foundational element of effective teams. Leaders must communicate openly about their intentions to adopt a coaching style and acknowledge that they are a work in progress.

The Role of Vulnerability

Ryan suggests that leaders show vulnerability by admitting they are learning and growing in their coaching journey. This openness can help build trust and encourage team members to engage in the coaching process.

Actionable Advice:

• Communicate Intentions: Clearly explain your shift to a coaching approach and the benefits it brings.
• Show Vulnerability: Be open about your own learning process to build trust and encourage team engagement.

The Importance of Strengths-Based Coaching

Utilizing the Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment

Ryan elaborates on his strengths-based coaching methodology, which utilizes the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment. This tool helps individuals identify their unique talents and how these can be leveraged within the team.

Fostering a Deeper Understanding

Through one-on-one sessions, Ryan helps individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses. This process fosters a deeper understanding among team members, allowing them to appreciate each other’s strengths and contributions.

Actionable Advice:

• Implement Strengths Assessments: Use tools like the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment to identify team members’ strengths.
• Focus on Strengths: Encourage employees to leverage their strengths in their roles and collaborate effectively.

Coaching to Strengths

Shifting the Focus in Performance Reviews

John highlights a common pitfall in performance reviews: managers often focus on areas for improvement rather than strengths. Ryan advocates for conversations centered around how individuals can apply their strengths to overcome challenges.

Enhancing Employee Morale

Focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses can lead to more productive and fulfilling work experiences, boosting employee morale and engagement.

Actionable Advice:

• Strengths-Based Feedback: During performance reviews, emphasize how employees can use their strengths to address challenges.
• Positive Reinforcement: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate employees’ strengths and achievements.

Navigating Remote Work Challenges

The Importance of Intentional Communication

As the conversation shifts to remote work, John points out the difficulties leaders face in coaching and mentoring employees they may never meet in person. Ryan acknowledges that remote work requires a higher level of intentional communication.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging

Ryan stresses the importance of making team members feel they belong, as a sense of belonging is crucial for engagement. Consistent communication is vital to prevent feelings of disconnection, especially when meetings are frequently canceled or rescheduled.

Actionable Advice:

• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule consistent virtual meetings to maintain communication and connection.
• Create a Sense of Belonging: Foster an inclusive environment where remote team members feel valued and included.

Key Traits of Effective Coaches

Essential Traits and Skills

Ryan outlines several essential traits and skills that effective coaches should possess:

1. Authenticity: Coaches should be genuine and true to themselves, as this fosters trust and connection.
2. Education and Training: A solid foundation in coaching principles and practices is crucial for effective coaching.
3. Reliability: Coaches must be dependable, following through on commitments and maintaining integrity in their interactions.

The Unnatural Nature of Coaching

Ryan reflects on the challenges of coaching, noting that it does not come naturally to everyone. He shares a personal story about working with another coach who struggled with team coaching. Through their collaboration, they identified strategies that aligned with the coach’s strengths, illustrating that coaching requires practice and adaptation.

Actionable Advice:

• Be Authentic: Build trust by being genuine and transparent in your interactions.
• Invest in Training: Continuously develop your coaching skills through education and practice.
• Maintain Reliability: Follow through on commitments and uphold integrity in all coaching interactions.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Ryan reiterates the importance of understanding individual strengths and fostering a coaching culture within organizations. He encourages leaders to embrace their roles as coaches, focusing on building trust and open communication with their teams. John thanks Ryan for his insights and encourages listeners to explore the resources available through Ryan’s coaching practice.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a valuable resource for leaders seeking to enhance their coaching skills and create a more engaged and empowered workforce. By shifting from a directive approach to one that emphasizes collaboration and strengths, leaders can foster a more positive and productive work environment. Embrace the role of a coach, build trust, and focus on strengths to transform your leadership and drive your team’s success.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of Small Businesses

As the host of this enlightening podcast, I had the pleasure of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with John Golden, from Sales POP! Online Sales Magazine and Pipeline CRM, and John Nieuwenburg, a professional business coach since 2004. Our discussion revolved around the challenges and opportunities that small businesses face in today’s dynamic environment.

The Enduring Challenges of Small Businesses

Golden and Nieuwenburg highlighted the enduring challenges of time, team, and money that small businesses often grapple with. As a small business owner, you might find yourself overwhelmed with tasks and short on time. Recruiting and retaining a good team can also be a daunting task. Financial management is another hurdle, with a disconnect often existing between profitability and cash flow. You might be running a profitable business but still struggle to have enough money in the bank. This is further complicated by the cash gap – the time between paying expenses and collecting on sales.

The Recruitment Challenge and the Expectation Gap

Our speakers also delved into the challenges of recruiting and the expectation gap between employers and potential employees. They emphasized the importance of giving recruiting the attention and resources it deserves. Platforms like Upwork can be a valuable tool in finding skilled recruiters. They also suggested the strategy of continuously recruiting and building relationships with potential replacements for key team members. The benefits of fractional resources and part-time employees were also discussed, along with the importance of cross-training and having backups for key roles.

Time Management and the Myth of Multitasking

Golden and Nieuwenburg also tackled the challenges of time management and the impact of distractions on productivity. They debunked the misconception of multitasking, explaining that our brains can only switch tasks, not truly multitask. This constant switching between tasks can actually decrease productivity and effectiveness. They stressed the importance of setting priorities and mapping out time to match those priorities using techniques like a default diary or time blocking. This approach empowers individuals to say no to distractions and focus on what truly matters.

The Power of a Time Audit

Nieuwenburg introduced the concept of a time audit, where individuals track their activities in 15-minute blocks for a week. This exercise helps identify low-value tasks that can be delegated to others, such as virtual assistants, freeing up time for high-value activities that generate income. They emphasized the need to be aware of the time wasted on interruptions and the time it takes to refocus, which can significantly impact productivity.

Embracing the AI Revolution

Looking ahead, Nieuwenburg mentioned the upcoming revolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to change the way we work. He encouraged individuals to learn and experiment with AI to understand how it can apply to their respective fields. They discussed the shift towards more natural language interactions with AI and the need for businesses to adapt to these changes to meet customer expectations.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

In the intricate labyrinth of our minds, decisions are the threads that weave the tapestry of our lives. Each choice, whether monumental or mundane, is a ripple that resonates through time. In this article, we embark on a thought-provoking journey into the fascinating realm of decision-making, guided by the illuminating insights shared in a recent podcast episode. Our guest, Adele Spraggon—an esteemed behavior change expert, accomplished author, and international speaker—offers a profound exploration into the dynamics of the brain and the nuanced art of decision-making.

Unmasking the Power of the Subconscious

Unbeknownst to most, the vast majority of our decisions are orchestrated by the subconscious mind. These intricate patterns, woven in the tapestry of our formative years, continue to shape our choices throughout adulthood. The profound implications of this revelation invite us to ponder the untapped potential lying dormant within our subconscious minds. What if we could unravel these patterns, examine their threads, and reconfigure them to align with our conscious intentions?

Navigating Sales and the Landscape of Emotions

Venturing into the realm of sales often conjures images of aggressive tactics and discomfort. Adele Spraggon, a torchbearer of transformative change, sheds light on this paradigm, unraveling its intricacies. She underscores the significance of emotions in the sales process, urging us to address these feelings with empathy and authenticity. Employing language grounded in emotion can dissolve the barriers that often erect themselves between the seller and the buyer, paving the way for a more harmonious and relaxed exchange.

Triggers: Unveiling the Catalysts of Reaction

Have you ever experienced an emotional response that seemed to defy logic? These emotional triggers, often deeply embedded in our subconscious, can wield immense influence over our reactions. Adele Spraggon guides us toward a profound revelation—the recognition and comprehension of these triggers grant us a semblance of control over our emotional responses. Armed with this awareness, we can navigate our interactions with a heightened sense of self-mastery.

Discovering Joy in Selling: A Paradigm Shift

The transformation from a reluctant seller to an individual who relishes the art of selling might seem like an enigma, but Adele Spraggon reveals that the key lies in shifting our perspective. The pivot, she asserts, occurs when we transition from viewing sales as a transactional endeavor to recognizing it as an avenue for genuine connection. This metamorphosis is an embodiment of the age-old adage, “It’s not what you sell, but how you sell it.” The paradigm shift, though nuanced, bears the potential to redefine our interactions, engendering a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in our endeavors.

Unraveling the Neural Tapestry: Adele’s Four-Step Technique

Adele Spraggon’s insights transcend the theoretical and venture into the practical. She introduces a meticulously crafted four-step technique designed to dismantle the shackles of sales anxiety and rewire the neural pathways governing our responses. This method commences with the identification of anxiety patterns, followed by a journey of introspection and dissection. Ultimately, the technique culminates in the restructuring of neural pathways, fostering a newfound sense of empowerment and liberation.

The Art of Listening: A Bridge to Understanding

In the cacophony of human interactions, the art of listening often takes a backseat. Yet, as Adele Spraggon elucidates, listening serves as a bridge to understanding, a cornerstone upon which relationships are built. The significance of active listening extends beyond the mere exchange of words; it encompasses a profound respect for the individual’s narrative and a commitment to fostering genuine connection. By asking probing questions and seeking clarification, we unveil the gems of comprehension, enriching our interactions immeasurably.

Delving Deeper: A Call to Action

The insights shared in this article merely scratch the surface of the profound conversation that transpired in the podcast episode. To embark on a more profound exploration of the art of decision-making, we urge you to immerse yourself in the full episode. For those whose curiosity has been piqued by Adele Spraggon’s wisdom, her book stands as a comprehensive guide to unraveling the complexities of the brain and harnessing its untapped potential.

As we extend our gratitude to you, our cherished podcast community, we invite you to stay attuned to the forthcoming installments that promise to illuminate diverse facets of the human experience. In a world pulsating with decisions both great and small, the insights unveiled herein offer a compass—a guiding light—as we navigate the enigmatic terrain of choice.

In this Expert Insight Interview, Lee Chaix McDonough discusses creating a sustainable coaching business. Lee Chaix McDonough is the CEO and founder of Coach with Clarity, a training and education company for life and business coaches. She is also the host of Coach with Clarity Podcast and author of the #1 best-selling book Act on Your Business: Braving the Storms of Entrepreneurship and Creating Success Through Meaning, Mindset, and Mindfulness.

This Expert Insight Interview discusses:

• Why do we avoid seeking support in our respective fields of expertise
• The prevalence of change in our lives and why we must always be prepared for it
• Some of the qualities that make a good coach

Seeking Support

We are willing to invest so much money in our hobbies, getting coaches, and paying for professional guidance, but we refuse to do the same for the thing that puts bread on our table. On some level, this must have to do with the assumption that we should just be good at what we do inherently.

Seeking support from someone else in our field of expertise might have been interpreted as a weakness once upon a time. However, we are seeing a paradigm shift and the fact that really strong business owners need a team of people to support them, including a coach.

Expecting Change

One thing is certain, and that is change. Regardless of what we have going on at any given time, we’re guaranteed to have some kind of change waiting around the corner. Trying to go through these changes alone is a very isolating experience.

Surrounding yourself with people who have your back and who you can trust will help you navigate the uncertainties that come with any kind of transition. That is one of the many reasons business and life coaches are such a smart investment for high-performing professionals.

Finding a Balance

There may be many people out there who would make fantastic coaches but don’t realize it, simply because we don’t all inherently understand what it takes to be a good coach. The truth is that there are qualities that can be honed to take somebody from being a good coach to being a great one.  For instance, there are good coaching apps that can improve your professional practice greatly. Adding them to your business model can help you scale, while still delivering practice-branded, personalized solutions.

One thing that Lee Chaix McDonough always looks for in people is their ability to balance their internal voice with the need to really focus their attention on their client and what they’re communicating both verbally and non-verbally.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.