Are you my "ideal" coaching client?

I cannot tell you how many times a friend or family member asks me what my ideal coaching client looks like. I have heard it 1,000 times so I thought; why not share it with you? I have also decided to use "she" when describing this person because I get tired of writing he/she. I tell you this because I don't want you to think that my ideal client is always a woman.

1. Successful: This person has advanced in her career and is currently working in an upper management position. She has “served her time” and has begun making the climb up the corporate ladder.

2. Strong business acumen: Many things can lead to a persons professional successes but strong business acumen is almost always required. Together, we might change a few behaviors that make the client even more effective, but without a strong business acumen there is only so far she can go.

3. A bit of patience: Behaviors take a long time to form so it only makes sense that they don’t just change overnight. While a ton of patience is not required, a little bit goes a long way.

It’s that simple. Are these requirements for my coaching clients? No, just what I have found to be the "ideal" client. Ideal because she has what was required to advance to her current position. Since I know that she has those skills, we can begin to focus on what is required to make it to the next level.