Joshua Miller

Any good change management plan starts with a greater comms plan and strategy. Without a clear and compelling explanation regarding the why, what, when, where and how everything else is pointless. When creating this plan you assess, flush out and distill the root cause which informs your communication style.

Any great coach will never call that out by saying they are the top x%. When I see this I often cringe because it surpasses the line of humility and arrogant. Not to mention these statistics are often made up or non quantifiable. Focus on why you started, what you've done and how you've been successful at it. This framework for storytelling sets you up nicely to include highlights of your learning journey without boasting about them. Provide the context and you can conclude successfully.

I always provide real success stories and real client references when needed. That said, you must ensure what you are sharing is both relevant to your audience and their needs. Highlight the "why" you are sharing it upfront and tie it back to your audiences specific situation and needs. This will keep them engaged and make sure you are driving the conversation forward.

A tool or model is only as good as the coach practicing, leading or facilitating it. The coach makes it come to life not the tool/model. Bragging about all your credentials and model mastery doesn't mean much if you can't back it up with real clients and real evidence to show for it. Being a book smart coach doesn't make a successful or masterful one. That said, understanding different methods and philosophies is critical to expanding and upskilling yourself as a coach. Become a student and teacher but always a life long learner.

Sharing your core beliefs requires you to first share about yourself. This is both the foundation and genesis of how you've come to your current thinking and philosophies. When you share your beliefs, be honest, transparent but also read the room. Beliefs are personal and subjective and what you believe could trigger someone else. That is not bad necessarily but it's definitely worth noticing to ensure you continue to have your audience captured. Sharing what you believe also provides an opportunity for you to then choose if there's a fit/alignment or not.

I always start from the beginning and so should you. Leading with your recent highlights (and possible lowlights) is similar to starting a book or a movie from halfway in. People need to emotionally and mentally connect with you and your story. Explain how you started and "why" - people love to root for a hero so why night it be you? Once you've engaged your audience you can discuss and share the trials and triumphs that have led to you the present moment and conversation. Be authentic and be real, don't sell.