Are you on a production plateau? Many advisors and agents are. In fact, at some point every financial advisor, insurance agent, wholesaler, branch manager and even agency manager hits a production plateau. I know because I’ve coached them all through one.
So, what do you do? The real question is if you had all the tips, tools, techniques, strategies and solutions…. would you apply them? In other words, are you coachable?
Tommy Lasorda, former Los Angeles Dodgers manager and two-time World Series champion said it best, “There are three types of baseball players: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happened.”
Did that quote make you curious to determine which type of person you are?
Over the years, I have realized that there are several commonalities that help define if an advisor/agent is coachable. Typically, these commonalities reveal themselves in how you answer the following questions. Let’s take a look at each of the questions and why they are important in determining how coachable you are.
Question #1: Am I ready and willing to succeed?
Success rarely happens by accident! In fact, it starts by having the willingness to want to succeed. The level of burning desire you have to move forward from your current situation towards your goals can make or break your outcomes. I coach my clients to assist them in reaching the next level with their business but if they honestly do not wish to do the work to get there, then those methods are useless.
Question #2: Do I know what I want my business to look like?
Goals are more likely to be accomplished when you have a crystal clear picture of what you want the result(s) to be. It is important to note that having a strong reason for setting goals helps you to continue your pursuit of them.
Question #3: Am I open to changing old habits to produce new results?
If you are not willing to make changes in your business then you are not ready to produce new results and find success. Einstein said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result”.
Question #4: Am I open to letting go of the fear of success?
Fear of success is rarely discussed but often experienced. If you cannot let go of your present situation then you cannot grasp the future. You must hold yourself to accepting that you deserve success and not be afraid of anything that comes with it.
Question #5: Do I believe in myself?
Sometimes believing in yourself carries you closer to your goals then you would expect. Your attitude about yourself (and your business) are by far the most important step in creating the business you have always dreamed of!
The 3 Types of Coaching Clients
After reviewing the questions and explanations above you may still be wondering if you are coachable or not. How you answered the questions puts you into one of three categories of coach- ability. Let’s take a look at all three to find out which category you best fit into.
The Stressor: The Stressor is a person who most likely stresses often and is hesitant to change. As a result, they are typically not coachable because they are reluctant to apply what they learn. Ironically, some advisors deem themselves as coachable but later reveal that they are averse to taking action. If you answered “no” to each of the preceding questions then you fall into this “Stressor” category.
The Dabbler: The Dabbler is a person who wants to succeed and is willing to learn what to do but will only apply what needs to be done to the extent that it starts to work. Then, they quit! Their common battle cry is, “It worked so well I quit doing it!” They may also say, “I know what I need to do, I just need to do it.” They seem to pick and choose what tools and techniques they will apply, some stick, some don’t and some they never even try. If you answered “yes” to at least two or three of the preceding questions then you are most likely a “Dabbler”.
The Achiever: The Achiever is a person who is serious about success and is willing to learn as well as apply the tools and techniques needed to succeed. In addition, they eventually turn their new found knowledge into habits. Their common battle cry is, “Why re-invent the wheel?” If you answered “yes” to four or five of the preceding questions you are definitely an “Achiever”.
Why Understanding How Coachable You Are Works
The reason why understanding how coachable you are works is because it helps you to determine if getting a coach can be an effective choice for you or not. If you have come to the conclusion that you are coachable, then I invite you to take the next step towards success by scheduling a free coaching session with Advisor Solutions.