People often ask me, what is the coaching relationship like? I tell them that a coach is a business partner; that the coaches goal is to facilitate business success. In order to accomplish these goals the coach must: develop a trusting and collaborative relationship with their business partners and understand the challenges they are facing as well as the strategies they have developed to meet these challenges. The coaches partners develop the strategies for success; they are very good at their task. The coaches role is to aid in the transition from strategy to action.
A strategic plan is of little value if it cannot be implemented effectively. Clarity of goals and process as well as persuasive and un-restricted communication is essential. The coaches business partners expect the coach to be candid and forthright. This is not a timid relationship; the coach does not play the role of the yes man nor is the coach a mouse. The client expects the coaches truth, nothing less. And that is precisely what they receive. The coach and his partners know that egos do not enhance their relationship or aid in achieving their collective goals. People choose to partner with a coach because they acknowledge the need for greater clarity in delivering business solutions. They seek a supportive partner who shares in their quest for success; a partner who will challenge them to do their very best and will support them with integrity and conviction.
I am a surfer; as a younger man I spent countless hours in the water, long hair trailing behind, deeply tanned and speaking a language that only my brethren might understand. It has been a few years since I straddled my board and paddled into the lineup but I will never lose the surfer spirit. Mastering the surf is akin to growing a business. Mother nature, like the business world, is formidable and unpredictable. We must forever be aware that success is rooted in our ability to work in harmony with our environment. As I paddled into my first wave I recall the power of the ocean around me. It was clear that it was not up to me to beat the ocean but to develop and maintain a healthy respect. There have been times when the ocean nearly consumed me; the business world is no less unforgiving. It was that spirit that always drove my effort to succeed. And so with you, it is your spirit, your passion that breaths life into your business efforts and leads to your success.
The surf is up and the lineup awaits. So, what do you say? Are you ready to paddle out? I am; it just so happens I have a new pair of baggies to try out.
Since 1996, under the name E & D Associates, Ed Drozda has facilitated the success of businesses of all sizes through effective management of comprehensive projects and strategically delivered business/executive coaching. He earned his BS in Medical Technology from Marquette University and his MBA in Health Care Administration from Bryant University; he is also a graduate of the Coach University Coach Training Program. Ed is a board certified blood bank specialist and has enjoyed over 20 years in the field of clinical operations and healthcare administration. As a project manager, he has worked with major pharmaceutical, medical device manufacturing and blood collection companies. As a business/executive coach Ed enjoys working with dynamic executives and business owners who seek to develop and grow small to mid-size businesses. He challenges and leads these clients to clarify and maximize their goals while discovering and exploiting their inherent strengths. Visit on the web at http://www.4eandd.com
