Episode #529: The Boss As Business Coach

 
The abundance of relatively young "executive coaches" or "life coaches" who have little to no business experience always makes me laugh. Considering that they don't have the same level of organisational climb, significant duties, or pressing profit and loss worries, it seems inconsistent. I don't understand why people voluntarily pay for their services when, in my opinion, internal staff members—preferably a seasoned supervisor—are the best people to offer coaching. Traditionally, managers kept work and personal affairs apart by concentrating on the specifics of their tasks rather than offering advice on how to succeed in life. The need for coaching is changing, though, as younger workers want more than just task-oriented counsel.

As I consider the words of renowned motivational speaker Jim Rohn, I come to the realisation that my previous employers did not often act as mentors, focusing more on job-specific training than on a more comprehensive approach to life. I'm prompted to think about sharing my own philosophy with my team by Rohn's emphasis on philosophy, attitude, action, outcomes, and lifestyle as crucial areas for personal development. He contends that this philosophy provides a framework for discerning right from wrong and figuring out the way to success. In order to achieve a comprehensive approach to success, Rohn's message encourages managers to take on the role of mentor, helping their staff members to build thoughtful philosophies, keep a happy outlook, discipline themselves, track their progress, and consciously shape their lifestyles.