17 Years in Business as a Coach

I love that Sarah Dupree of Dream Weaver Media captured some of my magic with this amazing photo!

August marks being in business as a coach for 17 years.

The journey to starting and growing my business has been challenging.

During the first two years in my business, I helped a handful of business owners to build their businesses. (I even coach a few of them still today.) 

I struggled, though.

Clients were sporadic and far from consistent.

I wasn't clearly communicating my message and allowing others to get to know me truly. After nearly losing everything, I broke down, almost quit, and considered returning to a J-O-B. 

Luckily for me, that rock bottom was precisely what I needed to gain clarity on what it's like to struggle with starting a business. I was able to rebrand, rebuild my framework and core messaging, and finally figure out my secret sauce and run my business on my terms. 

For the past 17 years, my journey as a business leader has been one of continuous growth and evolution. As I reflect on this remarkable accomplishment, I am reminded of the lessons I have learned about using my voice, speaking up, standing out, and making an impact in the work that I get to do.

These lessons have shaped not only the trajectory of my business but also my role as a facilitator who leads, empowers, motivates, and listens.

Here are 17 insights I've learned about harnessing the power of my voice to lead effectively.

1. Clarity Matters: Communicate your message, vision, and goals clearly. Otherwise, as Donald Miller says, "When you confuse, you lose." 
2. Get Curious: Listen Intently and seek to understand your clients and team's concerns and ideas before making decisions.
3. Empathy Is Key: Show understanding and compassion towards others. Empathetic leaders build stronger connections and trust.
4. Authenticity Builds Trust: Be genuine in your communication. Authenticity fosters credibility and trust among others. People want to connect with you, not who you think you "should" be.
5. Adaptability Is Crucial: Business landscapes change. Being adaptable in your communication style helps you navigate these shifts more effectively.
6. Transparency Builds Confidence: Openness about challenges, successes, and decisions builds a culture of trust within your organization and with your community.
7. Lead by Example: Demonstrate the values and work ethic you expect from others. Actions often speak louder than words. I will never ask someone to do something I'm unwilling to do. 
8. Positive Reinforcement Motivates: Recognize and appreciate people's efforts. Positive reinforcement encourages higher performance.
9. Constructive Feedback Drives Growth: Provide feedback that helps others to improve. It should be specific, actionable, and geared towards growth and goals.
10. Clear Delegation Is Vital: Delegate tasks clearly, outlining expectations and desired outcomes. Always have a plan for following up and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
11. Conflict Resolution Skills Are Necessary: Address conflicts promptly and professionally, fostering a harmonious work environment.
12. Inspire and Motivate: Use your voice to inspire and pursue excellence. Motivated teams are more productive and creative.
13. Effective Communication Channels Are Needed: Establish efficient communication channels to ensure information flows seamlessly throughout the organization.
14. Crisis Communication Requires Calmness: During challenging times, your voice as a leader should convey reassurance and a steady approach.
15. Continuous Learning Is a Must: Be open to learning new communication techniques. Evolving leadership strategies keep your approach fresh.
16. Recognize Achievements Publicly: Celebrate wins and acknowledge individual and team achievements openly.
17. Strategic Communication is Essential: Tailor your communication to different audiences - employees, stakeholders, clients - for maximum impact. 

Bonus Tip:

18. Roleplay: Use roleplay to embody your communication as a leader before you have a difficult conversation. 

Leadership is something that is cultivated in everyone, not just those who hold a title. This is why part of my mission as a communication trainer is to work with the entire team inside of organizations so that we can all rise together.

I learned a long time ago if we only work with those at the top of the organization, it doesn't trickle down to the team and the impact is small.

Let’s play all in and play big!

As I continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of business and executive leadership, these lessons remain top of mind. They remind me that each of us has leadership inside us; it's about using one's voice to inspire, guide, and uplift. 

If we want to be better communicators when speaking to a group, when navigating difficult conversations, or when we are looking to close more business, then it's time to use our voices to ask for what we want and support others around us to build the confidence to speak up as well. 

Remember, every time we speak up for the ideas and issues that mean the most to us, it gives permission to others to speak up, too!

Cheers to the next 17+ years of success!

xoxo,

Darlene Hawley