The value of a coach

I have been hearing a lot about the importance of a coach lately.  The Eskimos football team got a new coach, as did the Oilers hockey club.  Like the sports world, other professional teams put a lot of emphasis on hiring a good coach, and relying on his skills to create a wining team.

My own experience as a coach was in the atom league of Tofield hockey.  Although I was not skilled in the rules of the game, I could open and close the players’ box, tie up loose laces, and cheer on the youth to do their best.  I wasn’t sure at the time if I added any real value to the team, but with three boys of my own on the team I felt obliged to help out in any way I could.

It was pointed out to me this past summer from public speaker and former coach Mark Adams of the Connecticut Blue Devils that top talent is required to perform, but high success is reached only by asking for feedback.  Mark says the business world is too focused on building ‘Leaders’ – when what we really need is more ‘Followers’.  Skilled employees who seek the advice from a coach or mentor to take them to the next level.

This past week I finished reading Marshall Goldsmiths book ‘what got you here won’t get you there’.  He emphasizes the importance of a coach in your professional career to keep you focused on the details that will elevate you to the next level of development.  The coach may be a work college, a mentor that has already achieved a high level of success or a spouse that can offer personal observations.  I hadn’t considered ‘coaching’ something that successful people would need or even seek out.

While on our way to lunch with a friend last week, my friend excused himself for his weekly phone meeting with his business coach. As I sat in on his discussion, I realized that what I heard was not amazing insight from somebody superior, but rather gentle nudging in the right direction such as tips on marketing and growth that we both knew and understood.  When I questioned my friend on the use of a coach, he reminded me that it helps to keep us focused on what is required to achieve success.  Just because we know something does not mean we are inspired to use these skills at this time.

When I reflect on how a good coach helps influence our direction and growth I am inspired.  When I think back of my days as a coach in Tofield hockey, I may not have added value to the rules of play, but I did provide personal encouragement and advice on team unity. One mother approached me at the end of the season and commented on how much confidence and pride Ian had developed as a direct result of my encouragement.

I believe we can all use a coach to reach a higher level of success in our lives. And we can also BE a coach to others who seek your opinion.  I am convinced that coaching is more that sports politics.  It is required by all who wish to elevate their own performance in life.

“ probably my best qualities as a coach is that I ask a lot of challenging questions, and let the person come up with the answer”  Phil Dixon

Go out and make it a great day,

Seek and provide wisdom for the benefit of all.

Blaine