Coaching - BLOG

Written by Jon Foster

Coaching in today's society is moderately different from in years past. As a coach in today's world, you are told you have to be careful what you say, how you say it, and even how you say it. 

The "today coach" is worried more about emotions than the act of leadership. However, when you examine the position of "coach," its definition according to is "to motivate an individual or a team to improve their performance and skill." If you are not willing or able to be coached, you may be on the wrong team or, as a coach, have the wrong player(s).

It's just that simple.

" A coach that can't teach and correct team members actions can't do their job effectively."   J Foster

In its simplest form, coaching elevates talent to the highest level of performance. A great coach sees the horizon in the distance and continues to push us mentally, physically, and emotionally toward that horizon. Never giving up and never giving in to the "I Can't." A great coach guides you to see that "You can and You will." 

Coaching is different than training or mentoring.  Coaching focuses on balance, technique, and focus. An efficient coach is self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses and can strategically position their players where they can excel because they know their team's strengths and weaknesses.

Four Steps to Being an Effective Coach

1.

Practice Self-Awareness. A coach who does not know their character, emotions, motives, and desires cannot honestly assess their team most efficiently. Being self-aware helps you become a better person, coach, and mentor. Being self-aware allows you to move toward positive change.

2.

The second step to being an efficient coach is offering Support to your team. Some consider caring a weak point, but ideally, caring builds trust. Being supportive is also being positive and encouraging.  Support leads your team through failure and acknowledges failure as a growth opportunity. As a coach, avoid seeing failure as a negative. Instead, see the learning opportunities from it and celebrate the success that can come from it. Utilize positive reinforcement.

3.

The third step in efficient coaching is to practice Active Listening. This is perhaps one of the greatest skills in coaching, but one that is hard for many. Your job as a coach is to actively listen to your team. Avoid interrupting, judging, or imposing your opinions. Instead, make eye contact. Understand what the other person is saying. Remember, your body language says everything. A helpful tip is paraphrasing what the other person said to you so they know you understood their point of view. At its core, active listening allows you to support the person according to their values.

4.

The fourth step in efficient coaching is to Build Relationships with the team you are leading. Building relationships provides a pathway to clear communication. It builds respect, patience, and integrity and helps you and your team be more honest and open with each other. This allows you, as the coach, to develop your team successfully.

Persistance versus Pushy

Persistence is a great coaching skill, but there is a difference between persistence and pushy. Avoid being a pushy and somewhat abusive coach. Persistence leads to desire and desire to determination. A determination leads to follow-through, which helps you attain your highest level and reach your desired goal.

"It's hard to have a bad day when your team is winning, but it takes a coach to lead your team out from under".  John Foster

Every day, as I lead, I reflect on the relationships I built that day. Did I leave making a difference? Did I influence and effectively coach in a way that offers a positive change in the lives of those I coached? Be the coach who is self-aware, supportive, a great listener, and a builder of solid relationships.  

Be the coach to guide your team as they grow into tomorrow's leaders.