Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!!

Before I start, I promised something different in 2020. This is what I’m offering:

•A different cadence – once, monthly

•A keen focus on leadership

•A renewed commitment to share lessons revealed and learned

Now,

Over the past month, I’ve paid particular attention to interactions with multiple examples of the leadership role titled Coach.

I typically spend a day and an hour with my executive coach, had a beer with my old presentation coach, and was asked to be a career development coach by a colleague.

I had breakfast with a long time friend and spiritual coach who started a church (after denying his technical career aspirations). I’m welcomed to a men’s bible study when my schedule allows and the spirit moves me to be coached by a group.

I’ve seen a number of sports related coaches interviewed recently as we mourn the loss of a premier athlete and prepare to celebrate the football extravaganza this weekend. It is their job to help promising and professional athletes reach their athletic potential.

During the last month, I spoke with a wide array of individuals who could benefit from a coaching relationship, if they were aware … and willing to seek their potential and impact the quality of their life.

There are numerous types of coaches, depending on what you seek. It is critical to recognize that we all need one, at least one. In my case, many. Friend, mentor, brother…pastor, chair, supervisor…father, servant, teacher.

They require trust to create a relationship.

They require vulnerability to assess your appetite.

They require cooperation to develop momentum.

They require commitment to dig deep and not quit when it gets hard, and it will.

They require communication as they are not mind readers.

They require active listening on your part to take guidance to heart.

There is not one coach in my life as you can see. I’ve leaned on several brilliant, persistent, and caring people on my journey. We all need the trusted advisor to get us through tough situations that allow us to grow and heal and learn…and eventually teach.

A few guidance statements that I’ve heard, processed and conveyed include:

•Inquiry versus advocacy

•Assume noble intent

•What we don’t transform, we transmit

Find your coaches. Mine the nuggets of wisdom. Practice until permanent then go model the way.

Have a blessed month!