Sometimes We Need a Little Help

I consider myself to be a dining hobbyist; I enjoy delicious food, whether it’s from a fine dining restaurant, food truck, or made with love from someone’s kitchen (and everything in between). I enjoy exciting new culinary adventures, no matter where they take me.  

Frequently you can find me standing in the cookbook aisle at my local bookstore marveling at the authors’ creations. I adore a beautiful cookbook. However, the best thing I can make is reservations. Just like I can’t bake a cake standing in an aisle at Barnes and Noble, you can’t improve your performance without taking action. 

Sometimes we sabotage our career growth without knowing it. And sometimes we need a little help. 

You may want to seek the services of a professional coach who can help you 

–  raise awareness and clear up distractions,  

–  see yourself and others more clearly,

–  learn new ways to respond,

–  leverage existing strengths,

–  build more productive relationships, and

–  get clearer about your goals and achieve your dreams.

Seven tips to help you find the perfect match

Look for a masterful business coach, a seasoned veteran who knows how to get results, that is, someone who has the strengths, background, and expertise you need. Inquire about his or her personal and professional life to ensure that this potential coach is an example of excellence for you. 

Communication skills: A coach should exude confidence and excitement, be an active listener, and be able to communicate concepts, frameworks, and concepts clearly and insightfully. A skillful coach will set a tone of respect and empathy while being future-focused and action-oriented.

Collaboration: A coach creates a partnership that combines your instincts, your experience, and his or her knowledge. Find a partner to help you drive your success.

Lifelong learner: Find a coach who is committed to self-improvement, and demonstrates a life of constant and never-ending improvement. A coach should set an example of personal and professional growth for you. 

Chemistry: You want to have a connection with your coach; however, this should go both ways. Chemistry is a two-way street. During your initial meeting or phone call, gauge your chemistry. Inquire about the coach’s ideal client. 

Expertise: Make sure you understand the coach’s areas of expertise—with relevant business, career, coaching, and life experience. Ask “How can you help me?” to understand their skills and capabilities in working with a client like you.

Approach/framework: Ask how the coaching process works. Which coaching methodology is used? How long would the coaching engagement last?

Success: Read LinkedIn to gain insight to a coach’s career and experience. Understand how the coach defines and measures success in a coaching partnership. What outcomes have clients been able to achieve? 

Do your homework, research, and ask questions to ensure a good partnership and desired results. If you’re ready to advance your personal and professional life significantly, consider finding a qualified coach who excels in the areas you need support in.

Here’s to selling Mastery. 

-Cherilynn

Head of Education and Growth, Sistas In Sales

Executive Coach/Managing Partner, CGI

Cherilynn Castleman, Executive Coach/Sales Trainer, has been a sales executive for 20+ years. With a natural talent for teaching and a drive to sell, Cherilynn uses her skills to coach and train other executives and sales professionals.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~African Proverb”