The Power of a Coach...

Photo credit: whyquantumphysicists.com

A coach helps the eye see what can't be seen, the ear hear what can't be heard, and the mind process what can't be processed...Mark Myette

Since this blog is being written around Super Bowl weekend, it's fitting I acknowledge a powerful resource to helping individuals, teams, organizations achieve exponential results - the coach. In this case, one coach continued his way toward establishing himself as a legend and another is charting his course toward that as well. In both cases, they have similarities that will afford them continued success...

Note: If you like or respect Belichick you might be interested in this blog: Career Clock Management According to Belichick...

What follows are attributes you should seek from a coach...as you will see there are numerous philosophies approaches toward coaching you can expect. For you it will be important to "find a fit" with the coach who will work for you and or your organization.

The coaching attributes...

Authentic by knowing herself...
Understands their own needs AND the needs of their client...
Ethical...
Focuses on recognizing / enhancing / building character...
Asks penetrating questions to understand...
Actively listens...
Creative in how they interpret the information they receive...
Defines objectives...
Establishes rules...
Involves others through a strong ethos of collaboration...
Builds and nurtures relationships...
Organized...
Helps manage the stress (their own and their client's)...
Focuses on the big picture...

Directly from sports coaches here are some nuggets for us too!

According to them, coaches help their team (AKA) client:

Build your biggest muscle - your brain. - Phil Jackson - NY Nicks General Manager (once coach to Michael Jordan)
Know your job and execute - Bill Belichick - Patriot's
Do your best - John Wooden - UCLA Basketball
"Next play" (i.e. be prepared) - Mike Krzyzewski - Duke basketball
Prepare to succeed OR prepare to fail - Bill Walsh - 49ers football
Do what you say you'll do - follow up - Paul "Bear" Bryant -  College Football coaching legend
There's no place for complacency - Nick Sabin - College Football coaching legend

Other GREAT approaches to being coached / coaching from NON-sports coaches:

Foster learning - Ted Devine, CEO Insureon
Expect "unfailing dedication" in making choices that put the "greater good" first - Sheila Johnson (Co-founder BET cable network)
Be open to feedback - Jeff Weiner, CEO LinkedIn
No one should be doing something they think is stupid - Phil Libin, CEO Evernote
Identify issues and let people solve them (all the while never raising you voice). Tony Hsieh, CEO Zappos
Take responsibility - John Maxwell (Leadership guru)
Dare to fail miserably so you can achieve greatly. John F. Kennedy (President)
Boost people's self-estem. Sam Walton (Founder Wal-Mart)
High standards for themselves. Ray Kroc (McDonalds)
Experience failure. Bill Gates (Co-founder Microsoft)
Begin with the end in mind / listen to understand. Stephen Covey (Leadership Guru)
Commit - Peter Drucker
Power of Positive Thinking - Norman Vincent Peale
Humility - Jim Collins (Leadership Guru)

My best to your quest!

Mark
I believe each of us is a gift. I create trusted relationships where individuals, teams and leaders NAME, CLAIM and AIM their gifts to achieve optimum ​performance.

​​Interested to Learn About Yourself or Your Team? Mark is a Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, Facet5 and TotalSDI Facilitator and happy to discuss your situation.

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