Top 5 qualities you must look for in a business coach
Finding the right business coach for your own career is a tedious job. Whether you are just
starting out or have been working for a while, especially with so many options available, how
do you choose the ideal one? No worries, we have got you covered! We are going to share with
you the top five qualities you should look for in a business coach.
Top Qualities to Look For in a Business Coach (Summary):
- Experience
- Empathy
- Emotional Intelligence
- Discipline
- Accessibility
Let’s debunk these five qualities.
1- Experience
In the field of business coaching, experience stands as a superior quality, one that cannot be
overlooked, reminding me of what Sir Richard Branson stated: “Experience is not only the best
teacher, it is often the only one to listen to.” A seasoned business coach is crucial in helping
customers avoid costly mistakes and unanticipated difficulties since they bring a lot of real-life
interactions to the table. Their years of experience have given them a thorough awareness of
the twists of many industries, which enables them to provide you with the advice and insights
you just need. For example, a business coach who has successfully directed a firm through a
financial crisis in the past can offer priceless guidance with your own business on managing
cash flow. An experienced coach also helps in making strategic decisions during critical times.
2-Empathy
Empathy is an important trait you must look for in a business coach. Possessing an amicable
and easy-going attitude can do miracles for a client’s mood, leading to higher levels of
engagement and performance. No business is 100% free from facing hard times and a coach
who possesses empathy, not easily frustrated, and remains patient, even in challenging
situations, is proven to achieve remarkable results. Such an approach furnishes a supportive
environment where clients feel understood. Additionally, an empathic coach pushes their
clients to solve their own problems rather than forcing a controlling manner; helping clients
develop emotional intelligence. It is like, rather than looking for a coach who ’drives’ your car,
they teach you how to steer the wheel in the correct direction and timing.
3-Emotional Intelligence
There is a fundamental trait that sets exceptional coaches apart: emotional intelligence. It is not
just about knowledge; it is about developing a connection with clients on a deeper level, for
actual progress. A coach who is not a good listener can form unrelatable feedback and wrong
guidance, serving as a catalyst for corrupting your business. Alternatively, a good listener will
provide constructive feedback leading to a remarkable growth in your business. Furthermore,
their strategy is based on humility, which establishes a genuine connection with their clients.
These coaches fuel their clients with the needed courage and strength to face their issues on
their own because of their modest manner.
4-Disciplined
Another overlooked quality is a disciplined coach. It is a primary key to look for in your business
coach. A decisive coach can guide clients with a steady hand, particularly when faced with
uncalculated risk. A decisive coach is a coach who can guide their clients with a steady hand
without allowing impulsive decisions to affect the client’s progress. As Jim Rohn says, “Success
is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.” For instance, a client is
thrilled about a new market trend and is willing to spend a decent amount of their money
without doing a full investigation, simply allowing their feelings to take control of them. A non-
disciplined coach in this situation would leave the client do whatever they presume is right
without stepping in and presenting a calculated strategy. A strict coach would recall a prior
client who had gone through a similar situation. Prioritizing methods over impulsive emotions is
just the ticket for a successful coach. “Following your heart” is neither our first (nor second)
recommended methodology.
5-Easy to Reach
One of the most valuable qualities in a business coach is their accessibility. A coach who is just
working “9-5” or closes their phones at night, is just a mentor, but we need a reliable partner
for your business to flourish. As Richard Branson says, “A coach who is always within reach can
provide timely guidance and support, making them not just a mentor, but a reliable partner.”
What is more important in a partner than being easy to reach out to? This can show up in many
ways, like promptly replying to emails or calls, or even arranging a meeting on the go. For
instance, picture a business owner facing an unexpected challenge with a major client. An
inaccessible coach will not provide crucial advice on how to navigate the situation. Putting the
business owner at risk of committing a mistake just because the business coach is not available!
This destroys trust and clients’ confidence. An easy-to-reach coach can truly be a lifesaver in
critical moments, playing a key role in the client’s success.
Haya is a third-year graduate student in the Faculty of Engineering with a passion for English literature and a flair for writing for small businesses. Currently interning at Grow Partnership, she is refining her writing skills and gaining valuable corporate experience. In her free time, Haya enjoys reading, swimming, and drawing.
