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  • Writer's pictureMarc Ebinger

Business Coaching: Why It's Not a Motivation Problem, But a Focus Problem

Business coaching is about simplifying complexities, empowering leaders, and driving business growth; in other words, coaches are entrepreneurs' support systems that help them navigate hurdles and realize their visions. In the episode of Let's Talk Business podcast, hosted by Marc Ebinger and co-hosted by Heather Boehme, we focus on coaching with guests: Jen Hardy, a transformational speaker, coach, NLP trainer, and the COO of The Academy of MotivAction, and Eric Lundquist, a former Navy SEAL and the COO of Method Endeavors. This blog shares important ideas and ways of thinking that can make your business much better. Whether you have problems to solve or are eyeing growth, this read will give you smart advice to make your business the best it can be.



Motivations in Coaching: Paths of Growth and Clarity


Personal Growth and Career Advancement

Jen's journey from a successful career as a teacher and athletic coach to the world of coaching is a testament to her relentless pursuit of personal growth. At the pinnacle of her teaching career, she found herself contemplating, "What more can I do?" This introspective question underlines her aspiration to transcend her current professional status and embrace new challenges within the coaching business. Jen's story illuminates the motivational force behind her transition—a deep-seated desire for continuous personal and professional development.


Passion for Teaching and Watching Others Succeed

For Eric, coaching is an extension of his innate teaching nature. Witnessing the success of others brings him genuine joy and fulfillment. His motivation is rooted in the fundamental pleasure derived from imparting knowledge and skills and guiding individuals towards their goals. Eric's commitment to coaching as a means of fostering the success of others underscores the profound impact that a passionate educator can have on the lives of those they mentor.


Facilitating Clarity and Energy Through Coaching

Heather's motivation as a coach lies in her ability to be the guiding force that helps people find clarity amidst life's complexities. She thrives on engaging in clarifying conversations, where individuals leave with heightened energy and a clearer sense of purpose. This motivation highlights the transformative power of coaching in not only resolving confusion but also infusing individuals with renewed vitality. Heather's commitment to facilitating clarity underscores the role of coaches as catalysts for positive change.


Beyond Teaching: Transitioning to Business Coaching

Jen's transition from teaching to the coaching business signifies a pivotal moment in her professional journey. This shift demonstrates her willingness to explore new avenues and take on challenges beyond the confines of traditional education. The move towards coaching is not just a career transition for Jen but a strategic decision to leverage her skills and experiences in a different domain, indicating a forward-looking and entrepreneurial mindset.


The Fulfillment of Helping Others

The common thread weaving through the motivations of Jen, Eric, and Heather is the deep-seated satisfaction derived from helping others succeed. Whether through personal growth, teaching, or providing clarity, their motivations converge on the intrinsic reward of making a positive impact on the lives of those they coach. This overarching theme underscores the altruistic nature of coaching, where the fulfillment derived from assisting others becomes the driving force behind their professional pursuits.


Coaching Focus: From Women's Empowerment to Business-Oriented Coaching

Jen Hardy's journey unfolds as she eloquently explains Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), distilling complex communication and motivation theories into actionable systems. This discussion sheds light on her commitment to accessibility, making concepts like rapport-building attainable for all. Beyond theoretical understanding, Jen's coaching venture involves immersive NLP training, featuring intensive 4-day courses within small groups and monthly Mastermind sessions. This approach not only imparts knowledge but also fosters a collaborative community, ensuring a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. Jen's evolution from women's empowerment coaching to a business-oriented focus has widened the scope of her coaching endeavors. This shift has not only opened avenues for impactful workshops, engaging masterclasses, and meaningful brokerage engagements but has also set the stage for her future plans. Looking ahead, Jen envisions expanding her programs, introducing transformational retreats, and leveraging speaking engagements to address public speaking fears—a testament to her approach and commitment to holistic coaching practices.


Speak Easy Training for Enhancing Speaking Abilities

The hosts, Marc and Heather, and guests, Jen and Eric, have recognized a common interest in improving speaking skills, clarity, and overcoming fear. Jen with The Academy of MotivAction are developing the Speak Easy training program, scheduled to launch in January. This initiative reflects a practical approach to addressing the diverse needs of individuals seeking to enhance their communication abilities. By offering actionable tools and strategies, the program aims to empower participants with the confidence and skills needed to navigate the complexities of public speaking.



How Does Fear Shape Decision-Making and Progress, and What Solutions Exist?


Overcoming Fear and Focused Mindset

Within the discussions, the sabotage mindset is dissected, and various tools are explored to overcome fear. Emphasis is placed on the coaching perspective that one's focus dictates energy as they delve into the transformative power of maintaining a focused mindset, providing individuals with practical tools to manage fear and navigate challenges on their personal and professional growth.


Perception Exercises and Filters Affecting Fear

The conversation delves into perception exercises designed to enhance awareness by noticing different things based on one's focus. The discussion explores the filters that affect fear, such as personal beliefs, education, upbringing, and experiences. By recognizing and understanding these filters, individuals can gain insights into their perspectives and work towards mitigating the impact of fear on their decision-making and overall well-being.


Impact of Fear on Progress and Seeking Guidance

Common fears, including risk aversion, feeling overwhelmed, fear of failure, and financial concerns, are discussed in relation to their impact on stifling progress. Eric sheds light on how these fears often drive individuals to seek guidance when faced with the unknown or challenges in scaling. This exploration underscores the importance of addressing and overcoming fears to unlock one's full potential.



Strategic Foundations for Business Growth


Practical Approaches to Internal Change

The episode extends to practical approaches for internal change, emphasizing the need to initiate transformations within oneself before influencing employees or business processes. Practical tools such as checklists, accountability mechanisms, and goal setting are highlighted as essential components to drive meaningful change. This underscores the significance of strategic, internally-focused initiatives for sustained personal and professional development.


Balancing Bandwidth and Challenges for Business Owners

The challenges of balancing bandwidth, particularly for business owners struggling to create space for working on the business rather than in it, are thoroughly examined. This discussion provides insights into the shared challenges faced by both business owners and coaches, shedding light on the intricacies of managing responsibilities and fostering growth in a demanding business environment.


Trust, Ownership, and Empowerment

Trust and ownership emerge as central themes in the conversations, emphasizing their pivotal roles in fostering effective productivity. They discuss the importance of granting ownership for enhanced productivity, empowering individuals by giving them autonomy and ownership over their tasks. Additionally, the collaborative creation and embodiment of company values are highlighted by Jen and Eric as integral elements in building a culture of trust and shared purpose.


Ownership vs. Equity and Personal Time Allocation

Distinguishing between ownership in work/tasks and equity in a company becomes a focal point, suggesting a strategic focus on ownership in tasks rather than immediate equity. Simultaneously, the significance of allocating personal time for self-improvement is stressed as Jen draws parallels to historical figures like Winston Churchill. This encourages a thoughtful and balanced approach to personal and professional growth, emphasizing the value of intentional time investment for lasting positive impact.



 


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