The saying goes, “Be the change you want to see occur in the world around you.” I agree! In fact, if everyone knew and embraced some of the basic coaching skills utilized by life and business coaches, our world would be a much better place. Sadly, however, these abilities aren’t being taught in our schools. You have to learn them for yourself. When I first learned these skills over a decade ago, my life changed drastically. I learned how to enjoy my life more, be less stressed and have much more fulfilling relationships. I also gained more self-confidence and added value to everyone I met. For entrepreneurs, these skills can help create the lasting impressions and profitable relationships that help build successful businesses and, ultimately, successful people.
Don’t be judgmental – Remember to look for and recognize the good both in yourself and in others. We all have our “good” and our “off” days. We’re all unique in our appearance, our thoughts, our opinions and our likes and dislikes. These differences are not threatening or “bad”, just “different.” Embrace the differences and be happy for the variety. Likewise, forget the concepts of “right” and “wrong.” People are not good or bad or right or wrong; they just are. Being judgmental wastes time and cuts you off from opportunities and meaningful relationships. Remember, you aren’t perfect either!
Respect – Don’t make the mistake of thinking your rights are the only ones that count. Everyone deserves the same basic rights, and our fundamental right is to be respected. Respect is acknowledging another human being’s dignity and treating them how you wish to be treated yourself. We all came on to this earth equal and we’re all checking out as equals. What happens in between is just a series of different life experiences.
Be a good listener – How often do you really listen to other people? How often do you drift off when others or speaking, or plan what you’re going to say next instead of listening to them? It takes practice to be a good listener, but in being one, you put yourself in a position to better comprehend the real message being given to you.
Be interested, not interesting – People love to talk about themselves and will delight in the opportunity to do so, so ensure you ask questions and take an interest in what they are telling you. Don’t worry about them hogging the limelight – you can have your turn during the conversation
Respond from your heart – We tend to respond to others using our head, not our heart. We formulate stories about us, we defend our ego or we judge other people or what they have said. If we respond from our heart, we can respond with understanding and a sense of connection. Find something good to say about people and to people, the response you see will amaze you.
Be truthful – There is good reason for the saying “honesty is the best policy.” Nothing good ever comes from lies, but there is a difference between telling an outright lie and being diplomatic. If you’ve made a mistake, then welcome to the human race! You don’t have to lie to cover it up, but you also don’t have to blunt or “brutally” honest. There are gentle and tactful ways of delivering truths. Think carefully before you speak.
Be helpful – When you need a helping hand, don’t you just love the person who comes up and offers it to you? Wouldn’t you love the opportunity to repay them? If you can be that person that people look to with gratitude, you never know how or when they will repay you.
Maintain your integrity and your dignity – People with their integrity intact are easier to deal with in both business and personal situations. They know where they stand and you know where you stand with them. You will feel better about yourself when you set your standards and stand by them, and you will attract those who respect your standards and who have standards of their own.
Go the Extra Mile – I mean this in a couple of ways. First, whether you are being asked to do something or you are offering to do something, remember that if something is worth doing in the first place, then it is worth doing well. And while you are at it, what little touches can you offer to improve it? Whether your offering a business service or merely a friendly ear, going the extra mile helps you stand out as a person, which is the first step to creating relationships.
Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say. This is one of the oldest business principles around. Neither beat around the bush nor make promises you can’t keep. If you say you are going to do something, do it. Be known as a reliable person. Honor your promises and agreements wherever possible – this is the basis of integrity. When you are perceived as a person with integrity, your new opportunities as an entrepreneur and a person will constantly surprise you.
