The Value of a Good Coach

“I’m so not hearing that,” Robert told Susan.  Robert was thoroughly H hot. The nerve of Tim to tell him he needed to include others in his assessment. “These people have no idea what I do,” he reasons with Susan. Robert felt insulted that other leaders in different parts of the company would be invited to critique his plans. Robert had been doing this project just fine without sitting around a table subjecting himself to questions. “Who were they to question him?” Robert was so incensed Susan could see the heat rising from his hair.

Robert is not alone. Proverbs 18:17 reads, “He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.” Most leaders have suffered from tunnel vision during their development. Luckily, Robert had a good coach.

Susan through questioning Robert helped him to understand the importance of teamwork. His passion was misdirected; he saw Tim’s insistence that others give him feedback on his plans as a direct reflection of his competence. Susan helped Robert as John Maxwell would say “lift his lid.” She helped Robert see the big picture. His project wasn’t being carried out in a vacuum, his was one of many company projects all aimed at fulfilling the company vision. Teamwork then was an invaluable asset to saving the company money and improving its efficiency.

Each of us can benefit from a good coach; someone who opens our eyes to the bigger picture. Do you have a good coach? Better yet, “Are you open to coaching?”