10 Jun What Does “Love The Push” Mean?
“Love the push” is my brand promise to my clients – what they will get, and how they will feel working with me. They will get pushed out of their comfort zone so they can achieve their goals, perform better, be more influential, be a better leader, etc. But they also will love the way I push them and love the process. “Love the push” is that moment when a person uses their courage and determination to do something different from the way they’ve been doing it, and they see a new possibility, and ultimately, they get a better result. It is the moment when they get inspired and take a bold step.
The idea originated in 2018, when I asked my coaching clients for feedback, seeking to get to the root of why people had hired me. What stood out for them? What did they like about coaching with me? What kind of impact did I have on them and why? People said a lot of nice things, but one client said the exact words: “You know, Patty, you really pushed me out of my comfort zone – but I have to admit, I actually loved the push.” That resonated with me, as I could relate to that feeling at different points in my life, with different people who influenced me at key moments. I decided that is what I want to deliver, consistently, to my clients. So I took that on as my brand promise.
Clients “love the push” I give them because I do not judge them. Nor do I lose faith in a client – even if clients lose faith in themselves. When clients sign on with me, they can expect to get a supportive, attentive and skilled coach who first and foremost will listen deeply. I seek to understand and uncover the deeper reasons that are driving their current challenge or roadblock, so that I can help them dismantle it.
For example, one client of mine was introverted and absolutely hated networking events. But she also knew she needed to go to them to advance her job search, so she asked me to work with her to boost her confidence. First, I helped her do some deep inner work about her fears and limiting beliefs. Next, we explored her strengths and all the things that made her valuable to prospective employers and future colleagues. Once she had revealed her core fears and doubts and was crystal clear about her unique value – with an elevated level of confidence – I had her role-play some networking scenarios. We acted out the dialogues with different groups of people she might meet: executives, alumni from her alma mater, former colleagues and other people of influence. This is where the “push” came in. My client hated role plays, but I gently explained why they work. The more you practice the actual words you want to say, the more likely it is that you will deliver your message clearly, consistently, and with the impact you are seeking. These role plays are what gave her the confidence to walk into a crowded room of influencers and make genuine connections. After attending three new events, she came back and thanked me and said, “I’m not afraid of networking events anymore. In fact, I actually look forward to them now!”
Before I “push” clients, I first push through to the root cause of what’s holding them back. Next, I help them set a clear goal that, when accomplished, elevates their self-esteem, confidence and overall happiness. I help them maintain focus on the goal, and to recognize the true benefit of achieving it. In each session, I ask thought-provoking questions, helping them to attain a higher level of self-awareness and to implement the behaviors and habits that will enable them to achieve their goal. I smile and laugh and make the coaching sessions pleasant as well as productive. I am an excellent connector who can help a client with business development efforts. I use creative dialogues and exercises that empower clients to apply what they are learning in coaching to real life.
When motivated clients sign on with me, they do achieve their goals because from Day One, that is the only outcome I hold as possible for them. I believe in them, facilitate change and growth, and give them the space to go through their process until they succeed. Ultimately, people “love the push” when working with me because in addition to loving the process, they love having a partner who cares as much as I do about their happiness and success.