The Coach's Heartbeat - Cultivating a Godly Attitude in Building Your Practice
Ever had a discovery call that just felt… off? Or maybe you’ve drafted a follow-up email when feeling the pressure to land a new client? As coaches building our practices, the energy we bring to every interaction – with potential clients, referral partners, and even our online presence – is foundational. And for those of us whose work is rooted in faith, this carries a profound weight.
Our faith isn't a separate compartment; it informs every aspect of our lives and our businesses. This means the way we connect with those we aim to serve, and those who can help us grow, should reflect the love and integrity we hold dear. It's not just about the coaching methodologies we employ or the strategies we share; it's about the posture of our hearts as we build our practices, one relationship at a time. Our attitude acts as the spiritual cornerstone of our coaching journey.
Building a coaching practice can be demanding, and sometimes negativity can creep in. But let's consider the impact of a less-than-ideal attitude:
Stifled Client Connections: A skeptical or self-serving attitude can hinder the very trust we need to build with potential clients. They sense it, and it creates distance, making it harder for them to open up and see the value we offer. Biblically, this clashes with the call to genuinely care for and serve others (Philippians 2:4).
Missed Partnership Opportunities: A competitive or closed-off demeanor can prevent us from forming valuable alliances with other coaches or referral sources. Our focus on scarcity can blind us to the abundance of connection God can provide.
A Tarnished Professional Witness: As faith-driven coaches, our businesses are a reflection of our values. A consistently negative or overly aggressive approach can unfortunately misrepresent the principles we stand for, making others question the authenticity of our faith in action.
Internal Burnout and Discouragement: Holding onto negativity, driven by fear or comparison, can drain our energy and hinder our ability to serve effectively. It can steal our joy and make it difficult to hear God's guidance for our business.
Now, let's consider the transformative power of cultivating attitudes rooted in faith as we build our coaching practices:
Attracting Ideal Clients: When we approach every interaction with genuine enthusiasm, empathy, and a focus on serving, we naturally attract those who resonate with our values and our heart. This aligns with the principle of sowing and reaping – when we give authentically, we often receive in return.
Fostering Collaborative Growth: A spirit of generosity and collaboration opens doors for powerful partnerships and mutual support within the coaching community. Recognizing that we are all part of a larger body (1 Corinthians 12) fosters an attitude of lifting others as we rise.
Being a Light in the Marketplace: A coaching practice built on integrity, patience, and genuine care can be a powerful testament to our faith in the business world. Clients and colleagues alike may be drawn to the peace and authenticity we exude (Matthew 5:16).
Sustaining Passion and Purpose: Choosing to cultivate a godly attitude, rooted in our "why" and guided by faith, fuels our passion and sustains us through the challenges of building a business. It reminds us that our work has a purpose beyond just financial gain.
Take a moment to reflect on your approach to building your coaching practice. How are you showing up in your discovery calls? What's the underlying tone in your networking? Are there any areas where a shift in attitude might lead to more authentic connections and a more sustainable business built on Kingdom principles?
Building a thriving coaching practice is a journey of both skill and spirit. As people of faith, let's commit to examining our hearts, praying for a spirit of love, humility, and service, and striving to reflect Christ's attitude in every aspect of our business. The impact – on our clients, our networks, and the very foundation of our practices – will be a powerful reflection of His grace at work.
