When you think about some of the most influential and successful leaders throughout history – I doubt you will find many who didn’t receive some form of coaching. The concept to assimilate the wisdom of an experienced mentor and coach has been recorded as far back as Genesis; elders in the Temple. Even fictional heroes had coaches; Luke Skywalker had Obi Wan Kanobi, Batman had Albert. Those that embraced the wisdom of the ages from their coaches achieved higher positions more rapidly in life.
What is it that coaches offer that makes them so desirable to have around? Coaches are a resource to the practical wisdom we need when making tough decisions. They can step back and piece together the obvious in a logical order so that all the smoke clears from the situation at hand.
Coaches accomplish this by getting you to recognize and respond to the tough questions. The questions that you avoid or have been too afraid to ask yourself. They lead you to the uncomfortable reality check you couldn’t (or didn’t want to) arrive at on your own.
You Can't Train Coaching
Wisdom isn’t something you can teach, it is acquired from experience and utilizing that special God given talent. That is not to say their isn't some session in the world of education that can't teach you better listening skills or more effective questioning techniques. These are necessary skills that make for a great coach. It parallels the training of a great chef. You can teach the correct temperatures, what recipes to use and how to prepare each meal but we all know there is something special about the great chefs. It’s their love for assembling the right flavors to create an experience. Just like great coaches – they love to untangle challenging situations and they have an affinity for helping other people.
To Give and to Serve
Once a personal coach is hired, assigned or appointed, their primary function is to give and serve. The best coaches provide guidance and support from behind the scenes and never try to steal thunder from the coached. If your coach isn’t dedicated to your success, start looking for another.
Executive Coaching
You may think coaching is for the new recruit or the employee that needs further development and certainly these are great candidates for coaching. However, the best coaching takes place at the top. The best quarterbacks that lead the Super Bowl teams have a solid personal relationship with their coaches. A special understanding. The coach knows what makes that quarterback tick. He understands his talents, the team skills he has to work with, his emotional side, what motivates and demotivates him, etc.
So while coaching is a great tool for developing the skill sets of your employees, creating a long-term relationship and plan with a coach at an executive level will emphasize what motivates the team leader while providing clarity so you can get out of your own way and focus on how to grow your business.
Take the Plunge
If you are serious about taking your business to the next level – take a page right out of history and go find yourself an excellent coach. But only if you are ready for the reality check you are possibly already avoiding.
