If you want to make a change in your business, but you are unsure how to go about it, you may benefit from enlisting the help of an executive leadership coach. But how do you choose the right one? Should you invest in a one-on-one program, or is a group setting right for you?
Susan Barber has 20-plus years of experience as an IT and Leadership Executive. While working a traditional job, she pursued coaching as a side hustle, earning a certification in leadership coaching. When the company was going through a merger, she took a package and a leap of faith – and Susan M. Barber Coaching & Consulting was born.
Susan is passionate about helping her clients build confidence, grow as leaders and find their authentic voice. She also seeks to bring coaches together to support each other and share resources as entrepreneurs. Today she explains the differences among one-on-one, group and mastermind programs, the advantages of a structured group coaching environment, and how to choose a program that is the right fit for you. Listen in as Susan reveals what to look for in an executive business coach!
Key Takeaways
How to scale a coaching business
- Develop group coaching initiatives, masterminds
- Generate passive income with home study programs
The difference between Susan’s group program vs. mastermind
- Group program guides members to create vision, values and action plan
- Mastermind focus on accountability, one member on hot seat
The advantages of a structured group coaching environment
- All share, support other group members
- Community and connection
- Learn from each other
How to choose from among one-on-one, group coaching, and masterminds
- One-on-one if not comfortable sharing current situation with group
- Group settings typically less expensive
- Masterminds provide most structured experience (same questions each week)
When to pursue a business coach
- You know you want to make a change
- Unsure how to go about it
What to look for in a business coach
- Connection, chemistry
- Referrals
- Good fit, both feel comfortable
Questions to ask a prospective coach
- How have you been successful with others?
- What methodology do you use?
- Do you do assessments?
- What is your background/experience?
- Do you have your own coach?
Characteristics of a quality coach
- Allows the client to drive the conversation
- Good listener, observer
What to do if you’re not getting what you need from a coach
- Ask for a time out to address issues
- Seek someone different if not getting value
Susan’s advice for business owners considering an investment in a coach
- Have two or three conversations with different coaches
- Trust your gut
- Ask for references or choose an accredited coach through ICF
Resources
International Coaching Federation
Connect with Susan Barber
Susan Barber is an Executive Leadership Coach with 20+ years as an Information Technology and Leadership Executive. She started her own coaching business with a focus on helping her clients build confidence, enhance their leadership skills, and find their authentic voice. She coaches individuals one on one, leads group coaching programs and mastermind groups. Susan believes in the power of connections and helping women reach their potential. When she became a coach, she recognized an opportunity to bring together other coaches to share ideas and support each other as entrepreneurs. Her passion for leadership led her to start the “Creating Leadership Connections” Facebook Group to bring leaders together to share ideas, ask for help and learn from each other.