Fired, Part 3
I hired my first coach on New Year’s Day 2013. Although we did not have much in common, her advice, prodding and calling me out helped me to get focused and lose over 30 pounds and write a book. Convinced that I could make great progress on my own, I ended our coaching relationship in late 2013. I went all of 2014 without a coach. Although I made progress with my wellness and entrepreneurial goals, I knew I needed a coach to accelerate the process.
In June 2015, I hired a coach and business consultant. She had information about a particular business model. I had misgivings about hiring this woman, but I knew she had the expertise that I needed. She certainly helped me to come up with an excellent business idea, and she helped me to think of a web address that would increase traffic to my website. However, working with her was mentally exhausting. I never felt that my efforts were validated. I felt that I just couldn’t get enough done to satisfy her. Although she knew that I had a full time job and other responsibilities that were equivalent to a part time job, she acted as if I were a procrastinating sloth. I knew that it was time for a change.
When I let this woman know that I did not want to coach with her anymore, she took it hard. She basically told me that she didn’t like working with people like me anyway. She told me that I had taken a slot from someone who could have benefited from her coaching. After we ended the relationship, she proceeded to unfriend me and block me on Facebook. A day or so later, she offered to refund my last payment. I accepted. Next, I received an email from her telling me she was going to keep the payment because I had been so much trouble.
It’s been a month since that exchange. I’ve hired a new coach. I have five freelancers on my team who are helping to move my business forward. My new coach actually reads the documents I submit to her, and she provides thoughtful insight. Dealing with her is like a breath of fresh air.
Firing my last coach was the right thing for her based on the things she said and did afterwards. She didn’t like me or respect me. She wasn’t for me. As I said last week, firing is ending a bad relationship. Dr. Phil says something to the effect that the only thing worse than being in a bad relationship is being in it one day longer.
