Do You Have The Help You Need?

At a time when almost everybody is thinking about cutting back on whatever seems non-essential, it might seem like a bad idea to look outside of your organization for help. Well, not necessarily. In fact, now is exactly the right time to be making decisions that will help your organization become more vital, more purposeful, more impactful. That doesn't necessarily mean you need outside help to do it. But it might. 

How do you know if you're ready for the kind of help a consultant or a coach can offer? 

Here's a checklist:

• Are you itching for something new to happen? 
• Are you missing out on opportunities because you haven't been able to make the changes you know need to be made?  
• Are you unsure about what to do next to make your dream a reality?
• Do you know what needs to happen to bring the change you want but you just don't have the time or people-power to do it? 
• Do you need a trusted third-party to confirm a decision you've made, offer alternatives, and/or facilitate the really important conversations you know need to happen?
• Would increased accountability allow you to maximize the resources you do have to make the most of what you have to work with?

If you answered yes to most of those questions, then ask this one: What is it costing you to not have the help you need? 

There are a lot of consultants and coaches out there. A.R.E., for example, is working with a variety of people and organizations. (Click here to see a list of just some of the places we've been this past year!)

We'd be honored if you picked us to work with.

But it's important that you choose your consultant or coach carefully. Here are some questions to ask when selecting yours:

• Do they have the experience and expertise your situation requires? 
• Have they proven the ability to work on time and within budget? 
• Do they have a track record of offering practical solutions and/or designing workable processes...and been able to implement them? 
• Have they demonstrated an ability to work well with others? Do their previous clients like them?!
• Have they been willing to tell clients things they didn't necessarily want to hear...but needed to know? In other words, have they been willing to tell the truth? 
• Have they established a rapport with you and/or your team? Do you seem to be on the same page? Do you "click?"  

One last word: Some leaders are just too proud to be able to say "I need help." Their organizations suffer for that and they do, too. Real leadership isn't afraid to bring in whatever help they need to make sure their organization thrives. 

That's true now more than ever.