COACHING SKILLS
Do you need to have to be better at something to coach someone?
I often get asked, do you need to have to be better at something to coach someone to
do something?
I tend to use the following story to dispel this myth. Doug Blevins, kicking consultant
and former kicking coach of the Miami Dolphins was born with cerebral palsy, Doug
had never kicked a football himself, but he has successfully coached, Adam Vinitari
of the New England Patriots, who kicked the winning score for Super Bowls 2002 and
2004, and our own Rugby supremo, Rob Andrews.I have been coaching people myself,
and choosing coaches for others for over 10 years. If you are looking for a coach,
or looking to develop the coaching skills within your organisation then my advice
is to look for someone with Credibility, Integrity, Flexibility, Courage and Empathy.
CHOOSING YOUR COACH - WHAT A COACH NEEDS
Credibility
You need to select someone who has instant credibility. With the latest age discrimination
laws, it would be wrong to put an age on a good coach but credibility usually comes
with experience, not just qualifications, so check this out.
Integrity
What happens in a coaching session stays in a coaching session, trust is a vital
component to any coaching intervention so feel free to challenge a coach on how they
would react in different situations and make your judgement accordingly.
Flexibility
A good coach will be flexible with their approach to coaching. Be wary of coaches
who feel you can only coach face to face. Although a vital ingredient a good coach
should be able to coach over the phone and by email as required.
Courage
This is a tough one to measure but you may want a coach to provide objective input
and this involves confronting issues that people may not want to hear ,or deal with.
Empathy
Over the years I have had been subjected to everything from tears and despair to anger
in coaching sessions you therefore need someone who can empathise with people and
suspend their judgement.
To discuss your coaching requirements please contact me for a confidential conversation,
to see if I can help. I run a range of different interventions from coaching clinics,
through to workshops on how to coach effectively.
