I'm the Worst Coach Ever! (but I am getting better!)

  I received an email last week from a client.  She asked to end her sessions and told me that I wasn't giving her what she needed as a running coach.   Her email was like a hit to the stomach.  As I was reading it, I was shocked, and annoyed and really really mad.  Her email was actually well written and an excellent "firing the coach" email in that she explained exactly where I had, in her opinion, failed her.   She listed examples and detailed dates and actions that I took (or didn't take) to make her a better runner.  She explained how I didn't respond correctly or pay attention and contact her as needed.

As first I was ready to fight!  What is she talking about!  I am the best group coach there is.  I care about every one of my clients.  I work hard to touch base and push and hold hands and talk it out and....  But then I started to think about her and I realized that she was right.

Years ago, I would have never reflected on what a client says to me.  I would become defensive and would convince myself that I was right and they were crazy.  I may even get into a battle with them and use unkind words and argue in a way that would not resolve anything but make me feel powerful.

But now, I am older and wiser, and as much as I hate this aging thing, I have definitely learned how to become more reflective with my new wrinkles and the knees that creak when I go up the stairs.

So what I did was think about the mistake I made with that client and with my new groups.  I used the information that she gave me to update and think about how I have been approaching my clients.  And I started to contact my clients a little more.  I started to document my information about what is going on in their life and I started to listen a little more.  This is a brand new occurrence so I don't know the effect yet, but I am hoping I am making some positive changes that will help all my clients.

I am sad that this woman had a bad experience and I know I may have others that feel the same way.   I don't ever want clients to be disappointed in my program, not only because it is bad for business but because I do really care how my clients feel.  I really do invest in their success and want to inspire them to challenge themselves and make healthy changes.   I am paid for my services in more than the money I get.  Often, it is the emails and cards I get from clients and their spouses telling me of the positive changes that have taken place in their new active lives.   Often it is the smiles and the hugs at the finish line at the end of their first race.  And often it is the tears that just come because they never thought they could accomplish this goal.  I count that part as more important to the success of my business and I depend on it to continue to love what I do.

So, I will learn from what this client had to say and I will improve.  I will continue to reach out and find out what clients want but also what they need.  I will try to figure out their expectations and work with their individual goals as well as the group goals to keep us on the same page.  I will not be perfect but I know I can be better.  I don't think I am the worst coach ever but I know I can improve and for that I am thankful to my unhappy (former) client.