Coaching (and I don't mean the handbags!)

With several of us, myself included, recently reaching our goal of UB Scentsational, we are now in the position of leading a team. Of course we are so fortunate to have our fearless leader of The Hive, Shawna Straub, keeping us all organized and on track. And she is a tremendous resource, as we all know!

I found this article that talks about Principle-Centered Coaching which I thought was very apropos. I imagine that a lot of us bring to Urban Botanic a track record of leadership and management. However, several of us are new to direct sales and we are ALL new to Urban Botanic. This articles describes a method of mentoring that I felt was very in line with the company mission and values.

Enjoy!

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Open Your Heart To Coaching
By Jane Deuber
President and Co-Founder of the DSWA
article found at http://www.mlm.com/mlm/user/mlmarticles

Leading in the Spirit of Service
If you’re a leader with a growing organization, you’ve probably been told that you should be coaching your team members. Perhaps you’re wondering, “Be a coach? What does that mean and how can I expect to coach others when I’m just figuring it out for myself?” The answer lies in something called Principle-Centered Coaching—a way of working with your team that opens your heart and expands your capacity to lead in the spirit of service.

To Coach Is To Serve; To Serve Is To Succeed
The foundation of Principle-Centered Coaching is built upon five core principles that present an image—a model if you will—of the kind of coach you want to be. Using these principles, you will cultivate a supportive, safe environment in which your team will flourish.

· The Principle of Trust: An environment of trust is defined by faith, confidence, and belief in your team—and to keep a confidence. Trust is the basis of meaningful, healthy relationships and must be present to create openness, learning, and growth.

· The Principle of Respect: When you show respect for another, you interact with dignity and kindness. You honor others no matter their accomplishments or perceived abilities. Giving and receiving respect builds self-esteem and confidence.

· The Principle of Service: When we serve others through our actions, we express the essence of leadership. By helping others get what that want, we experience the joy of making a difference.

· The Principle of Integrity: Do you do what you say you will do? Integrity is when our thoughts, words, and actions are the same and we follow through on our commitments.

· The Principle of Authenticity: An authentic leader is comfortable being herself and does not put on appearances. Strive to be natural, genuine, and honest in your dealings with your team.

Rich Rewards
Once you weave these five principles into the fabric of your interactions you will see shifts at many levels. Some subtle, some obvious, but collectively they are transformational. Here is just a taste of what you can expect.

You will…
· Enjoy coaching your team so much more when you call to support rather than to fix.

· Sense a deeper connection with your team as they see your willingness to serve and support.

· See your team grow as you see each new team member as a gift instead of more work and responsibility.

Your team members will…
· Feel confident in their ability to build their business.

· Be accountable to themselves and their goals.

· Be true to their word because the team values integrity.

· Remain clear, focused, and on track toward success.

Ways to Explore the Five Core Principles
Beginning today, hold yourself to the standard of keeping these five core principles at heart in all team interactions. At day’s end, reflect on how you have lived these principles, and then marvel at the magic that results.

This is an excerpt from the best selling book Build It Big – 101 Insider Secrets Form Top Direct Selling Experts, brought to you by the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance (DSWA). The DSWA provides industry-specific education, resources and support to direct sellers in more than twelve countries, representing over 275 companies. To learn how you can receive $850 in bonus gifts by ordering the Build It Big book, visit http://www.mydswa.org/bib.asp. To learn about the benefits of becoming a member of the DSWA, visit http://www.mydswa.org/member_program.asp.

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