Business coaching is the act of working with a business owner so that you can reach your highest potential.
When working with a small business coach, you can expect them to help you breakthrough self-sabotaging habits, learn new skills, and grow your business, while saving you time and energy.
However, no two coaches are similar when it comes to their preferred coaching styles. And therefore you can expect a different result depending on the type of business coach you hire, and your own work in implementing their advice.
Introduction to Coaching Styles
A coaching style is a particular method a coach will use when helping you improve.
Every coach has a preferred style, one that best fits their way of thinking. For coaches to be effective in their role, they must understand how other styles work and in what situations they are best for.
Below are three well-known styles coaches use.
Autocratic Coaching
Autocratic coaching is best summed up by the phrase, “my way or the highway”. It emphasizes one-way interactions between the coach and the client.
You often see this style in sports coaching. Unfortunately, this might leave a bad taste with you if had an autocratic Little League coach who did not have the skill set to also be inspiring and encouraging.
Autocratic coaches are in control at all times – they make decisions and give orders. They set the goals the clients must reach and will not ask, nor encourage suggestions from them.
This style of coaching can create goal-driven and disciplined teams of employees, but at the cost of its members feeling constricted and unable to think for themselves.
It is the perfect style for large corporations that need to train large numbers of inexperienced personnel in a short amount of time.
Democratic Coaching
Where Autocratic coaching gives control to the coach, Democratic coaching gives it to the client.
This style of coaching is client-focused and is used to shape individuals to be responsible, communicative, and cooperative team members. Democratic coaches will always encourage the clients to share their ideas and communicate positively.
The one down-side to the Democratic coaching style is the time it will take to develop the client.
Consequently, this style is better for businesses that want slow and steady results as they improve their motivation and commitment.
Holistic Coaching
Also known as “laissez-fairre” coaching, holistic business coaches do not act as authority figures under this style. Instead, they let their clients pursue their own skills development and agendas.
Holistic small business coaching is more about creating a positive working environment than giving structured training. It makes each small business owner uncover their why, making them more connected to their work.
As it involves a lot of relationship building with a client, it will require a lot of time and extra effort. As a result, this makes holistic coaching more suitable for small businesses.
It is better for small business coaching who want to feel understood, uncover deeply held drives, and be self-empowered,
Which Style is Better?
No singular style is better than another, as each one has its advantages for specific situations and needs.
The best small business coach for you is someone who is knowledgeable and flexible in their thinking to help achieve your different business goals.
Ultimately, the key to good coaching lies in the enthusiasm for business and a desire to help others improve themselves.
When thinking about which coaching style to use, base the choice on your philosophy, which is shaped by your experiences and world views.
Is Take Wing Coaching right for your business?
Apply for LIFT for Freelancers and Consultants or apply for private coaching. Both opportunities start with a free trial or a free conversation to see, hear, and experience if our coaching style is right for you.
