A participant at a recent workshop asked me a seemingly innocent question and my answer surprised me.
The question came from a discussion about coaching and consulting with clients. The question was simply, “what’s the biggest challenge you face working with clients?” My answer must have been lurking somewhere in my subconscious because, without much thought, I said, “Caring more about the results my clients get then they do.”
The one thing I know is that I have been guilty of this, and few things will eat you up faster. I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t care about your clients, I’ve just found that if your roll is to consult, teach, advise, coach or otherwise help your clients get a result, sometimes you must be prepared to detach yourself from how and when that result occurs.
A client must want the stated result with a passion or it will never happen. You can burn up a lot of entrepreneurial energy judging what’s best for your clients
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The toughest job, for me at least, is to map out a plan, work the plan and let go of the need to know exactly how the plan will come to pass. Do this a time or two and you will find yourself much more open to new opportunities when they arise. And that’s the real fun of being an entrepreneur in the first place.
