Recently I tried to formally coach a family member. Yes Yoda, there is such a thing as try. We did the usual needs analysis, talked about goals, and uncovered values. I should have stopped at “I’m uncoachable” but of course I rolled the dice and tried to pass go.
The problem, you may be thinking is, you should never coach family members. I would agree with you except for the latest insight I had when I chatted with a potential client to see if there was a fit.
When asked what my “niche” was… I just chuckled and said, “I don’t have a niche, if you mean a demographic like women who are in their 30’s and stressed, or men who don’t know whether to climb the corporate ladder or the metal ladder.”
In thinking about this “niche” question I realized…wait… indeed, I do have a niche and all of my clients are nicely in it.
They are all:
Hard-working, intellectually curious, know that more is possible, want more for their life and the lives they touch, optimistic, committed to their growth and development, and generous with their appreciation.
What are the qualities and characteristics of people you do your best work with? Your closest friends?
Take a look at who is on your personal Board of Directors and see if there isn’t a pattern. Then ask yourself if your niche is a reflection of you (or your best self) and see what you come up with.
Tags: Attitude, Coaching, Communication, Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
