Showing Up For Our Clients & Our Business (Even When We Feel Like S#!t)

As coaches, we dedicate ourselves to supporting, guiding, and inspiring our clients. Yet, there are days when we ourselves struggle to find the motivation or energy due to personal challenges, stress, or simply an off day. It's essential to acknowledge that while we strive to be pillars of strength, we are also human. On these less-than-ideal days, how can we still show up effectively for our clients? Here are some strategies to navigate these moments while maintaining our professionalism and effectiveness.

🌟Practice Self-Compassion

First and foremost, it's vital to practice self-compassion. Recognise that it's okay not to feel 100% all the time. This acknowledgment doesn't diminish your ability as a coach; it reinforces your humanity. By being kind to ourselves, we can navigate our feelings more effectively and find the strength to support our clients.

🌟Prioritise Self-Care

Self-care isn't just a buzzword; it's a crucial part of our ability to serve others. Ensure you're taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Simple practices like deep breathing, a short walk, or a few moments of mindfulness can recharge your batteries and improve your presence with clients.

🌟Set Boundaries

Setting healthy boundaries is essential for sustainability in our profession. This might mean not overbooking yourself, setting clear work-life boundaries, or even rescheduling sessions if you're genuinely unable to provide the level of support your clients deserve. Transparent communication about your boundaries can also model healthy behavior for your clients.

🌟Leverage Your Toolkit

As coaches, we have an extensive toolkit at our disposal. On days when you're not feeling 100%, rely on structured exercises, guided questions, or specific coaching models to facilitate the session. This approach ensures that the client still receives value while allowing you to guide the session effectively.

🌟Focus on Listening

Sometimes, the most powerful tool we have is our ability to listen. If you're not at your best, shifting the focus more towards listening and less towards speaking can be incredibly effective. It allows the client to explore their thoughts and feelings deeply, often uncovering their solutions in the process.

🌟Seek Support

Just as we encourage our clients to seek support, we too can benefit from leaning on our community. Whether it's supervision, a coaching circle, or a trusted colleague, sharing and discussing can provide us with the perspective and energy we need to face our challenges and show up for our clients.

🌟Reflect and Learn

Every experience is an opportunity for learning. Reflect on what these challenging days teach you about your needs, boundaries, and resilience strategies. This reflection can inform how you approach similar situations in the future, enhancing your personal growth and professional development.

🌟Communicate Authentically

When appropriate, sharing your challenges with clients (without overburdening them) can deepen the coaching relationship. It demonstrates vulnerability, builds trust, and humanizes the coaching experience, showing clients that it's okay to face difficulties and work through them.

Showing up for our clients when we're not feeling 100% is a nuanced balance of self-compassion, professionalism, and adaptability. By taking care of ourselves, leaning on our skills, and embracing our humanity, we can continue to provide the support and guidance our clients need, even on our toughest days.

Remember, the essence of coaching lies not in being perfect but in being present, authentic, and committed to growth—both ours and our clients.

15 comments