Is Being “Coach-like” a Good Thing?

We expect a lot from leaders, and when you’re in a leadership role, a big part of your job is to honor those expectations.

Just because you’re calling the shots doesn’t mean you’re any good at it. Effective leadership takes skill. It’s not as simple as demanding someone do as you say.

The best leaders empower others – inspiring them with a clear vision, and encouraging them to take ownership of their part in making things better.

In other words, the best way to lead is to become coach-like.

Coaches see what’s possible. They elevate the conversation. They can look beyond the problem to guide the way toward something better.

If you want to get better at something, work with a coach.

If you want someone else to get better at something, become more coach-like.

Notice I said coach-like, not cheerleader-like.

Don’t get me wrong. Having someone in your corner, giving pep talks, and rallying your success is priceless, but a coach’s work is deeper than that.

Sometimes rah-rah-rah is nothing but noise and a distraction!

Far too many people who claim the title of coach promote toxic positivity. They ignore problems and dwell on the bright side, convincing their clients that looking at the issue through rose-colored glasses is all they need to succeed.

It’s also a common smack at a fellow coach to say they were not “coach-like” in a certain response or behavior. I call BS.

More to the point, I call it like I see it. Because when the goal is to get better at something, the truth is more potent than a pat on the back.

When elite athletes are going after a win, you won’t catch their coaches handing out participation trophies.

To be coach-like means naming what is and what’s wrong.

To be coach-like requires getting comfortable with discomfort.

To be coach-like calls us to embrace our humanity and greater potential.

Being human is messy, especially when working with ambitious, driven humans. Being coach-like asks leaders to take responsibility for that messiness.

Sometimes the messy truth hurts.
Sometimes that’s the only way to grow.

Let’s continue to learn, evolve, and move forward – taking a more coach-like leadership approach.