According to the International Coach Federation, coaching is a creative partnership that inspires clients to maximize their personal and professional potential, often mining previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership.
Consulting is when an expert guides clients on specific areas of focus, functioning as an educator, catalyst for change, resource or facilitator providing technical advice or opinions.
At Ironstone, each client experience is unique, because we offer a customized approach that may encompass both coaching and consulting. In both scenarios, we act as guides to unleash your potential and remove mental roadblocks for maximum growth and implementation success.
That depends on the depth and complexity of your firm’s needs. However, within the first 90 days, you should begin to feel more satisfied and calm. Why? Because those feelings are a natural consequence of finally deciding to address areas of need – and to engage with us to help elevate your practice.
Each firm’s needs will vary depending on their circumstances. Some coaching clients work with us for 12 months or more, while others may only need a few months to fine-tune specific areas of concern. Rather than speculate, let’s connect for an exploratory strategy session. That way, we can learn more about your practice and make recommendations tailored to your needs and budget.
It’s our proprietary platform that examines your practice in a clinical way to pinpoint areas of greatest need so we can tackle issues in a prioritized manner. We laser-focus on four categories: Strategic Planning, Business Development, Operational Effectiveness and the Human Element. The Fundamental 4™ helps us identify your firm’s core issues and weaknesses, so we can confront and remedy them, one at a time.
Your main commitment is keeping our relationship top of mind and dedicating 2-5 hours weekly to work on your business. We will have regularly scheduled strategy sessions, ongoing email communication and onsite visits throughout the process, depending on your level of engagement. In short: your commitment will be commensurate with your firm’s needs.
The most successful clients are those who are fully invested in the process of listening/learning, building a collaborative relationship with us to solve problems, and serious about following the advice we offer. We want to be your guide throughout the journey, and like most meaningful experiences in life, quality outcomes are built on a foundation of trust.
When it comes to problems, we’ve seen them all. But one thing we can’t fix are clients who aren’t willing to make the necessary changes we recommend. You know the adage, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”? Fortunately, the vast majority of our clients embrace our strategies and benefit from them.
At the outset, we’ll set specific goals for each area being addressed, then measure progress against those metrics until we achieve success. (By the way, during the time we work together, don’t be surprised if you notice collateral benefits, like improved morale, greater employee retention and higher profits.)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) include:
When we’ve addressed the original areas of focus (and any others we uncover throughout the process), while also seeing results for the KPIs (above). You’ll find yourself armed with best practices to employ on a daily basis and a thriving practice that is clicking on all cylinders. We’ll both know when you reach a comfort level that allows you to take the helm, and for us to simply be available to offer further guidance when you need us.
Don’t worry, we’re accustomed to working with clients who feel overwhelmed. Fact is, feeling overwhelmed is often what motivates clients to take action. Once you do, our propriety Fundamental 4™ tool will help us prioritize your firm’s needs so we can focus on the most pressing issues first.
Working together, we can accomplish great things, and we will support you throughout the process if you’re willing to put in the work. We believe our proven blueprint will enhance your practice no matter what shape it’s in. But in the end, it will be up to you and your team to use that blueprint to get your firm to a healthier place.
To curtail turnover, you must first identify why employees are leaving and use that knowledge to stop the bleeding. There are many reasons why staffers might be heading for the exits. Fortunately, we’re equipped with the tools and experience to figure that out, and arm you with the skills you need to retain top talent.
Yes, we work with clients across the United States.
Absolutely! Many engagements begin and end with an onsite meeting, and may include a few more visits throughout the process, as needed. Request an exploratory strategy session and we’ll see if onsite visits make sense for you and your practice.
Here’s a “Good Reads” list of highly effective books available on Amazon:
Building a Storybrand / Donald Miller
The Second Mountain / Dave Brooks
Talk Triggers / Jay Baer and Daniel Lemin
The Adventure of an Ingenious Life / Andrea Schlapia
The 4 Disciplines of Execution / Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, Jim Huling
Impossible to Ignore / Carmen Simon
It’s the Manager / Jim Clifton, Jim Harter
The Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization / Peter Drucker
Yes. We have extensive experience working with firms led by multiple owners/partners, so we often find ourselves defusing tensions to help them communicate more productively.
Easiest question on the list! Simply sign up for your exploratory strategy session – a great way for us to get to know each other, decide if we’re a good fit, and outline expectations, objectives and timelines. They say every journey begins with a single step. Hiring Ironstone to guide your practice management needs might be the most important step you take today. Congratulations!