Leadership & You #1
Whether you are a coach of a junior sports team, president of a volunteer organisation, manager of a workplace, teacher or parent, an ability to coach and influence others is a life skill.
Regional Australia has a long and proud history of coaching and influencing each other. It is how we get through difficult times together. Indeed, times of crisis always highlight that the epicentre of community connection is how we support and coach each other.
An ability to coach and influence is a life skill with application and uses in everyday life. The ability to coach and influence others is not taught in a classroom – it takes practice and application.
It is often said a good coach can change a game
– but a great coach can change a life!
In the regional Australia setting we all have a need to coach and influence people. As we head into more uncertain and unpredictable times, it is inevitable will all have a need, at some point, to put our arms around a friend doing it tough, or a work colleague who has lost their job, or motivate a group of fatigued volunteers to keep showing up or a loved one who needs some direction and hope in their moment of crisis. This is the coaching dynamic. We all need to coach!
There are two types of coaching moments: formal and informal. Both equally important.
- Informal coaching moments often present themselves in the spur of the moment – when you least expect it – as and when things occur.
- Formal coaching moments are planned, aiming to influence and improve a behaviour, skill, mindset, or performance of a team or individual.
Coaching others is a choice. When a coaching moment arises, we can do one of two things – ignore it, or act and provide the gift of feedback and support.
Our ability to coach is what builds confidence, competence, and commitment in others. It takes practice and application. Often one of the most powerful coaching tools is just being there for friends and colleagues who need support and encouragement, not judgement!
It is clear we will all need to put on our coaching hats as we head into challenging times, especially in regional Australia. It takes a community of coaches to raise a child!
Leadership Lesson
Effective coaching requires a conversation
– it cannot be conducted over social media or an email
Facta Non Verba – Deeds Not Words
I will be sharing some Personal Leadership Tips each Monday in this column where I will provide some practical tools and applications. Likewise, if you have a useful tip that you would like to share – please let me know – I will be happy to share.
