I want to introduce you to a blog by my coaching mentor, Brian Miller. Brian is a certified coach and trainer with Coach Approach Ministries. Brian coaches individual leaders, trains leaders to coach, and also trains churches to disciple through coaching.
I have quoted the first three points from his blog, Reflections About Leadership, and then included a link to the original. I hope you enjoy it.
What am I learning about leadership? One person I coach reflected on this question early this morning. With his permission, I will share what he learned. This is how he expressed it.
1. Even though I know the results I want, I’m not always sure how to get those results.
Coach’s Reflection: It is very common for leaders to know what they want to see happen but not know how to make it happen in their situation. Coaching clarifies the questions that must be answered to develop a solution unique to your situation.
2. I don’t really need to know how. I just need to know where to go to get the resources or where to go to get a push.
Coach’s Reflection: Leaders often feel inadequate because they don’t have all the answers. But a great leader doesn’t need to know all the answers. He or she just has to know how to find them. Sometimes a leader knows the answer but needs a “push” to get started. Coaching gives you an encouraging push and can help you to determine the right way to “push” a team or even customize the “push” for individuals on the team.
3. Even when I do know what I want, sometimes I’m afraid for the people who will get left behind if we go there.
Coach’s Reflection: Note where the fear is. Often, pastors hate to see anyone left behind. But one person’s leadership may not be strong enough to take the organization where God is calling it to go. My coachee noted that not only do some get left behind, they often get trampled. Coaching can help a leader transition team members to new structures and new positions that minimizes collateral damage.