Stop Being the Boss (Your Clients Will Thank You)

Simon Sinek said something that really captured how I have always thought about coaching:

"A relationship is an agreement between two people to grow together."

Read that again.

If you're like most fitness coaches, you probably started this business thinking you're the expert with all the answers. Your client shows up, you tell them what to do, and boom - transformation happens.

But here's the thing: that's not a relationship. That's a dictatorship.

The Real Game-Changer

When Sinek framed a relationship in this manner, it hit me like a loaded barbell to the face. Every successful coaching relationship I've had wasn't about me being the guru on the mountain. It was about two people - me and my client - figuring things out together.

Your client isn't there to worship your knowledge. They're the hero of their own story. You? You're the guide helping them navigate their journey.

This changes everything about how you coach.

Making the Shift

First, ditch the "I know everything" mentality during onboarding. I tell my clients straight up: "I'm here to facilitate your journey. This isn't my show to run."

Some coaches worry this makes them look weak. Wrong. It makes you look confident enough to admit you don't have a crystal ball.

Second, create space for mutual learning. When a client teaches me something about their body, their life, or their goals - that's gold. I'm growing too. That's the point.

The onboarding process is how you set the tone for the relationship, and it’s important that you highlight that this is a relationship and that you have systems in place to foster that within the coaching practice.

The Practical Stuff

In your onboarding videos, explain this partnership approach. Tell them they're the star of the show. Make it clear that you're learning from them while they're learning from you.

And here's where I get direct: if they don't watch your onboarding content, call them out. "Hey, I noticed you didn't watch the video. I need you to go back and watch it because it sets the stage for how we work together."

If they won't do the basic work, they're not ready for the relationship you're offering, and that is OK!  Your coaching won’t be for everyone.

Your Growth Matters Too

Every client challenge makes you a better coach. Every plateau teaches you something new. Every success story adds to your toolkit.

When you embrace growing together, you stop pretending to be perfect. You start being real. And real coaches get real results.

Here's What I Want to Know

Send me an email to [email protected] and tell me: What's your biggest win as a coach that came from the relationship itself - not just the program you wrote?

I read every response, and the best ones might make it into next week's newsletter.

Keep Raising the Bar,

Paul Oneid MS, MS, CSCS