When’s the Right Time for a Coach?
Picture a tech founder—let’s call him Jake—swamped as his startup explodes out of control. He’s juggling new hires, bigger clients, and a nagging feeling he’s missing something big. Sound familiar? It’s like an athlete hitting a career crossroads, unsure whether to push harder or pivot. Jake’s coach helped him navigate the chaos, prioritize, and scale without burning out. That’s the power of timing, and it’s what we’re diving into in part five of our Coaching for Champions series—when’s the right time to get a coach, and how do you find the perfect fit?
You’re a pro at your business, but even pros need help at key moments. In our last post, we saw how coaching is a two-way street, with you and your coach passing the baton. But when should you bring a coach into the game? And how do you pick one who clicks? A coach isn’t your fairy godmother or a guru with all the answers—they’re your game-plan partner, ready to help when you’re stuck, scaling, or shifting gears. Let’s break it down.
When Do You Need a Coach?
Coaching shines in moments like these:
Feeling Stuck: You’re spinning your wheels, like Jake’s chaotic startup. A coach helps you find traction.
Big Transitions: Launching a new product, changing careers, or stepping into leadership? Coaches help you navigate the shift.
Scaling Up: Growing fast but losing focus? A coach works with you as we chart the path to keep your vision clear.
Chasing Big Goals: Want to take your business to the next level? A coach maps the journey with you.
Take Andre Agassi, tennis legend with eight Grand Slams. In the mid-1990s, his ranking tanked to #141. Coach Brad Gilbert didn’t play better than Agassi—he reshaped his strategy and mindset, sparking a comeback to #1 (15 Famous Entrepreneurs, artistsinbusiness.com, 2023). In business, Bill Gates leaned on coach Bill Campbell to scale Microsoft during the 1990s tech boom. Campbell’s perspective helped Gates chart new paths (Forbes Coaches Council, 2022). As Thomas Keown, CEO of Many Hopes, says, “The value of open, frank conversations with someone who doesn’t work for you is invaluable” (coachingfederation.org, 2022). Timing matters—coaching turns moments of doubt into breakthroughs.
Finding the Right Fit
Not every coach is your coach. Here’s how to pick one:
Values Alignment: Seek a coach who shares your principles, like your Christian faith, to build trust and connection.
Style Match: Want tough love or gentle nudging? Choose a coach whose approach clicks, tailoring their style to your needs as they evolve over time or shift with circumstances.
Experience: They don’t need to know your industry inside-out but should understand your goals.
Training/Certification: Look for training and credentials, but no value or style alignment won’t help you grow—you need a coach who understands you and who you can receive from.
A 2023 study found coaching drove a 60% revenue increase for businesses, proving the ROI of a good fit (coachingfederation.org, 2023). Think of Agassi—Gilbert’s strategic focus matched his needs, not just his sport. Or Gates, whose coach Campbell brought Silicon Valley wisdom, not Microsoft expertise. The right coach feels like a partner, not a guru overpromising quick fixes.
Addressing Objections
“I don’t have time!” or “I can’t afford it!” sound familiar? We’re not here to sprinkle pixie dust! Let’s reframe:
Time: Coaching saves time by focusing your efforts. Jake cut chaos by streamlining with his coach.
Money: It’s an investment—60% revenue growth beats a coffee budget any day (coachingfederation.org, 2023).
DIY: You’re awesome, but solo efforts miss blind spots. Even Gates needed Campbell’s outside view.
A Faith-Fueled Perspective
As Christians, we’re called to discern God’s timing for growth. Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” Just as Jesus guided Peter to “feed my sheep” (John 21:15–17), a coach helps you discern when to act and grow. Seeking a coach isn’t doubting your gifts—it’s trusting God to send the right partner at the right time, like Paul encouraging Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12). It’s about stepping into God’s purpose with courage and clarity.
Your Next Step
Coaching isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment; it’s about seizing the right one. Whether you’re stuck like Jake or scaling like Gates, a coach can be your game-plan partner. So, here’s our challenge: when’s a moment in your business where you felt stuck or ready to grow? Could a coach help? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear! Check our companion guides for more details on stories like Agassi’s or Gates’ to dive deeper.
Next up in Coaching for Champions, we’ll tackle what happens when coaching doesn’t work—and how to fix it. Stay tuned—it’s gonna unlock new insights!
