You Might Ask the Question - Why Coaching
Why Coaching? It's a good question, and the answer is
found in the heart of human nature. We have heard it many times
from couples to world councils - communication is the key. Noted
author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia declared, "Communication, the
art of talking to each other, saying what we mean, saying it
clearly, listening to what the other says and making sure that
we're hearing accurately, is by all indication the skill most
essential for creating and maintaining (key) relationships."
Famed psychologist Carl Rogers added that "the basic and most
desperate need of our time (is) for more basic knowledge and
more competent skills in dealing with the tensions of human
relationships."
We all know by instinct and experience that communication is
crucial in key relationships. No relationship, business or
otherwise, will long survive bad communication for long. We
cannot ignore the need for good coaching and
communication if we are going to compete in today's marketplace.
Remember, coaching and
communication is more than what we say - it is what we are. An
old axiom reads, "What you are shouts so loudly in my ears that
I can't hear what you're saying." Principled Centered Leadership
asserts, "Ultimately, the leadership style one adopts springs
from one's core ideas and feelings about the nature of men -
whatever a person has at the center of his life." The best
seller, In Search of Excellence, indicates that the best-managed
companies are still "value-driven" or "value-governed." Their
leadership is committed to certain values and principles which
they translate into organizational policies and programs.
As coaches, we should ask ourselves some important questions:
*What do we really think of our people?
*What value do we place in them?
*Do we regard them with real care and concern?
*Are they objects we use only for profit?
*Do we consider their needs? Their feelings? Their individuality?
*Are we open with our people about problems and expectations?
*Do we believe ourselves their servant or their overseers?
Questions like these reveal our character. Coaching and
character cannot be separated.
Character was the distinguishing mark of America's Founding
Fathers. It governed their lives and shaped our history. In The
March of Folly, Barbara Tuchman writes, "How fortunate America
was to have as one of its Founding Fathers, George Washington
who had such a character of rock and a kind of nobility that he
exerted a natural dominion over others, together with the inner
strength and perseverance that enabled him to prevail over a
flood of obstacles. He made possible both the physical victory
of American independence and the survival of the...republic....".
William H. Wilbur's, The Making of George Washington, describes
Washington's character when America's fate hung in the balance.
Wilbur records the condition at Valley Forge in the winter of
1777. The winter was cruel and stalked the Continental Army like
death. Terrible cold, bitter winds, exposure, and lack of food
and provisions literally drove the corps to the brink of
starvation. Countless letters and journal entries attest to
overwhelming sufferings. Barefoot, hungry, nearly naked, the
soldiers were sick, discouraged and forsaken. Had they buckled
and left their post, America was doomed. They could have
returned to their homes, but loyal to General Washington, and
heedless of their sufferings, the men stayed on. Historians call
it a "miracle" of leadership.
How did Washington do it? What was his secret? What can we learn
from this historic leader? Again, we look to Washington's
character.
Washington was quiet, modest, firm, fair and wise, but his
consideration for others was extraordinary. Washington's men
knew that he was deeply committed to them. He was tireless in
his effort to procure food, pay, clothing and medicines. He took
interest in their personal problems. He walked among their huts;
he talked with the soldiers; he walked through the camp at night
- their condition often moving him to tears. According to
Wilbur, General Washington's relationship with his men was a
"glorious mixture of respect, loyalty, admiration, faith and
affection."
Washington was willing to carry the load of others. Hundreds of
times Washington got off his horse to help soldiers push a wagon
out of a mud hole with the cheerful remark, "One more shoulder
does it." His contact was daily, sincere and caring. "All these
things...made an Army [Team]. And they made an Army [Team] that
was totally and entirely loyal to one man - General Washington".
Some historians hold that Washington was the Revolution. And
"when he asked his men to endure suffering, they found it
impossible to deny him".
Why Coaching? Coaching is good communication. Coaching is
good leadership. And, moreover, coaching is a call to character
and commitment to people - the example demonstrated by George
Washington. History proves that people can respond - sometimes
heroically. Coaching isn't a "quick fix" tool to control people.
Washington didn't "fast-talk" his way to victory with the
Continental Army. He was committed to them and he gave them his
best. He stood as an example of character that others were
compelled to follow. When that kind of character is present in
our coaching everything else tends to fall into place.