Did you watch the 2009 Academy Awards?
I enjoyed it and really liked the way they had former Oscar winners individually introduce the nominees for Best Actor/Actress and Best Supporting Actor/Actress.
What struck me is how the introductions demonstrated the power of acknowledgement. This is something we coaches do with our clients and I think we may forget how powerful it is.
Perhaps the best example was Shirley MacLaine’s introduction of Anne Hathaway. I felt like I was witness to an intimate conversation. Shirley spoke directly to Anne and Anne was visibly moved.
MacLaine: “Anne Hathaway We loved you as a princess, we loved you in Prada.”
Coaching Point: The power of using a person’s name when delivering heartfelt acknowledgement.
Camera cuts to Hathaway: She has her hand over her heart. She is so open and present, fully receiving what she is being told.
MacLaine: “And this year in Rachel Getting Married you fearless stepped into the shoes of someone struggling with addiction and grief. I think you are an amazing example. You’re not afraid to show both your dark and bright side.”
Coaching Point: Acknowledgement is most effective when you use specifics, detailing particular skills and situations.
MacLaine: “And by the way, I think you have an extraordinary voice, so keep singing too.”
Coaching Point: Sharing what we see for our clients that they may not see for themselves.
Camera cuts to Hathaway: With teary eyes she says, “Thank you! I love you.” Hathaway is so moved, so present and so real.
Coaching Point: Accurate, heartfelt acknowledgement is a wonderful gift we give to our clients!
“Before getting the Coach & Grow R.I.C.H. system I was not even coaching anyone but after I met Michelle at workshop in San Diego I decided to buy it and try it out. The program has a lot of great material that helped me wrap my head around what I was doing and get clearer on my goals. I’m really looking forward to going through the course again and use the material more since I’m really trying to launch my business this year. Michelle’s program helped me to take the first big step – starting my coaching business! I already developed my first website and had the confidence to do it. Now I’m working on starting a group. After going through the program I gained confidence that I can actually do this simply by seeing that so many other people at different levels are currently doing it as well. In the past I was getting stuck at times because I always want to do everything perfectly but now I know that it was holding me back! This is definitely my year!”
“C&GR’s ‘heart-felt, business’ philosophy has added dramatic sizzle to my coaching practice. I have had a 400% increase in revenue. What I used to earn in one month I now earn in one week. I presented a workshop to 77 people and had 1/3 of the audience desire a comp session. 50% of those people became my clients in 10 crazy amazing days. Wouldn’t you like 8 new clients in 10 working days? I have also developed 6 Strategic Alliances which provide me a steady stream of clients and also a beautiful new granite kitchen island. I love C&GR and I love my coaching life!”
“I took Michelle’s training somewhat desperate to generate five clients quickly for my upcoming coaching certification program. I was not only impressed with how many marketing tools I received, but also how many practical ways and examples to apply them. I chose to start with “Grassroots Marketing” and to my elation, I was able to generate 11 clients (better than a 50% return) by just applying a couple of the techniques she shared. I found Michelle to be an extraordinary teacher, who is wholeheartedly committed to helping her students create financial success and freedom.”