We begin our training and coaching assignments by defining shared goals – the firm’s goals, your goals for yourself (based on input from others or any specific plans or issues you might be addressing) and, with the exception of principals, a higher manager’s goals for you. These goals cumulatively provide direction for our discussions, any resulting action plans and benchmarks for change. Whether we are coaching lawyers, architects, accountants, consultants or medical providers, these goals generally fall into one or more of the following areas of focus:
Leadership – Management roles can be assigned. Leadership cannot. It must be assumed… and that applies equally to firm principals. So, professionals that find themselves in leadership roles often discover that they are unprepared for at least a few surprises along the way. Examples of key differences between leaders and managers that may require coaching include: directing and motivating others, defining vision and values, inspiring others with how their role fits within the big picture and setting the tone for the firm’s culture.
Behaviour – Even more so than any tools or systems, behaviour is the key to successfully implementing change, empowering employees and building a thriving practice. It can also be the biggest obstacle. In order to reduce resistance towards making any behavioural changes, our coaching process includes the development of Emotional Intelligence and an acute awareness of self and others. It’s the awareness of – how you carry yourself on a day-to-day basis, how you respond to difficult situations and how your words, your attitude and your body language impact others – that make new behaviours stick.
Change management – Whether the change was driven by a decision to pursue opportunity or a need to navigate events beyond your control, you need to manage it. Anticipating events, responding to issues and inspiring buy-in from others, can spell the difference between sinking and swimming in any fast-paced environment.
Management skill – At some point in any successful professional’s career, the ability to communicate, to delegate, to train and to manage performance, time and money all become critical skills. Along with workshops, coaching can be helpful in developing and mastering these skills.
Structure, systems and tools – You’ve developed a strategic plan. Now what? You need to select, devise and implement the accompanying systems, structures and tools that support your core strategies and your action plan. Coaching can provide guidance to better assess your options. This list may include: organizational charts, job descriptions, performance reviews, training, Key Performance Indicators, priority systems, Customer Relationship Management software and more.
Marketing – After the development of a firm level marketing plan, you still need to know who will be contributing towards it and how. This next step in the marketing process may involve coaching on the development and implementation of personal marketing plans for each participating individual. For maximum impact, personal marketing plans should be implemented in a manner that supports the firm’s identity, respects performance targets and ensures ongoing commitment.Aligning behaviours, skills and systems with the results you want can have a most significant impact on overall performance. From goal setting to implementation and follow up, the objective nature of coaching can help you to see things as they really are, the first step towards any change at all.
Successful professionals understand how their behaviour impacts others and they know how to adapt it to get the results they want.
As business coaches trained in strategy, human resource management, marketing, mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence, we’re able to work with you to develop the softer skills involved in leading a professional practice… so you can self-manage, in the moment, whatever the circumstances.
To discuss how we can work together to build and enhance your professional practice, contact us for an initial consultation, without fee or obligation, in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) or via web conference anywhere in Canada.
Learn more about our areas of focus: Law Firm Marketing, Marketing Accounting Firms, Marketing Architecture Firms, Marketing for Consulting Firms and Medical Clinic Marketing.
