By definition, a coach is a person who teaches and trains athletes or performers. It is also defined as a private teacher who gives someone lessons in a particular subject. Which is where Higgs Leadership and Development finds its’ niche. What does the Coach get in return? What is the payoff? It is something that I just recently came to understand. It is the “Value Added” to another person’s life or organization. There is no monetary equivalent to that feeling you get when you look into your client’s eyes and see the light bulb moment as it happens. You have touched on something that resonates with them.
When you are coaching someone to be better than they are, you sometimes have to hold a mirror to them until they see the blemish within. Often this can be a very tricky and sensitive issue. Especially when the topics are about belief systems, diversity and potentially opening wounds and having conversations many of us have worked hard at avoiding.
Then the moment arrives, and you have broken down the barrier and the client has the epiphany of understanding! The clouds break free, the angels sing on high, and you are sure your halo is beaming bright above your head! The reality may be that the fluorescent light above you is flickering but the spark of understanding in the client’s eye is there and you have made a connection that has changed their perspective and allowed you to bring them something of value in terms of personal growth and understanding.
As a professional coach, you may have no idea if you have made an impact. Training business teams to better communicate and understand each other can seem mundane and thankless. Then you get a letter that shows you otherwise:
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So, not only did Higgs Leadership Development add value to them, they have in turn, added value to us. There is always the desire to do good work and yet the validation that you have done just that is just immeasurable.