By the time you’ve found an idea that could work on your business, you may want to push it forward as quickly as possible. But there is an important element here that cannot be overlooked – coaching.

The intrapreneur needs to find someone, either inside or outside the family, to provide guidance, feedback and support.

In the last segment of our case story, Jill mentioned asking her Aunt Nathalie to be her coach. Now, we’ll see the beginning of this coaching relationship.

Director's Voice

So Jill, you're about to meet with your aunt. What’s this meeting's about, if can I ask?

Jill

Yes, you can. This is another hurdle for me. My Dad recommended I ask for some help, from someone other than him. He didn't want to teach me to drive and he doesn't want to do this, either.

Director's Voice

And you want the advice to come from your aunt?

Jill

Yes ... Well, I hope, so. Anyway, finger's crossed.

Nathalie

Hey, Jill.

Jill

Aunt Nathalie. So, great to see you.

Nathalie

Likewise sweetie. Your Dad told me that you wanted to talk to me before we had dinner.

Jill

I did. And maybe I should get down to it before everybody shows up. Listen, have you heard that wanted to sell some electric cars in one of our dealerships?

Nathalie

Yes, I sure did, and I’m very happy. Was that what you wanted to talk to me about?

Jill

Yes - but not just a little chat. The thing is, I need help. I need somebody I can work things out, like some kind of a coach. I work with a good guy from work. He's got some experience but he's really young, too. And me - well I'm a beginner.

Nathalie

Well ... I am busy, but not too busy to help you. As long as you are serious about this.

Jill

Absolutely.

Nathalie

Good. Then I say we do things right. Be professional- meet regularly. Because you are going to have to be prepared if you want your business to work. There’s one other thing you need to know.

Jill

Ok.

Nathalie

You may not always like what I'm going to say to you. Of course, I’ll be very happy to give you the good news, and cheer you on for your good moves - but I'll be just as honest with the bad news. Can you deal with that?

Jill

I think I can handle the real feedback.

Nathalie

Good.

Jill

Thank you so much Aunt Nathalie. So, where do we start?

Nathalie

Well, where do you think we should start? Can I make a small suggestion?

Jill

What?

Nathalie

Given we're going to do this together, how about you drop the ‘aunt’ thing and start calling me Nathalie? After all, you're the boss.

Jill

Ok, I think I can do that.

Director's Voice

If I can be direct. You're Jill's aunt - can you really be her coach and her advisor, too?

Nathalie

I appreciate a direct question and yes, I can be her coach. I've known Jill since she was a baby, I’m quite familiar with the family's business, I certainly know our family as well. I think my brother's decision is a sound one - Jill and her generation are the future for us. But they won't be jammed into a cookie-cutter mold. And besides, Jill is smart as a whip and a hard worker too, with a strong sense of responsibility. And if she says she'll do something she does it. Always has. Believe me, I wouldn’t have said yes if I didn’t believe in her.