Study Leave Book Reflection #3

This book is not about sports! The term coaching is not exclusive to the arena of athletics, but most people instantly relate the two, and since I'm such a sports nut, I'm sure that seeing the title made most people think: "Bill read a football book on Study Leave!!" No, I did not. :)

I was introduced to the idea of coaching almost two years ago, and a friend gave me this book a while back. I've begun to incorporate more of the concepts and techniques in my ministry already, and it's helped in a number of ways. As always, if you want the rest of my reflection paper on this book, drop me an e-mail and let me know, I'll be glad to send it along!

Reflection on: Coaching For Performance

Author: John Witmore 180 pages. Published by Nicholas Brealey Publishing

Summary:

Sir John Witmore is co-owner and a trainer and lecturer for Performance Consultants, a company that teaches coaching to business leaders and managers around the UK and USA. He literally ‘wrote the book’ on the concept of coaching for increased performance, and many companies have used the principles he espouses to recreate the atmosphere of their companies in an ever changing business climate.

The over-simplified version of coaching is to help the person you are coaching find the answers for themselves through active listening and strategic questioning. As much as the word has connotations for athletics, coaching is not just a sports issue; its concepts are just as effective in other setting, from business to parenting to leading in ministry. It increases ownership and buy-in for people who are involved in the coaching and bringing the best out of them.

The idea that drawing out the answers (and even drawing the coachee to go and find the answers for themselves) instead of telling or instructing creates an atmosphere that allows the coachee to take responsibility and gives them a way to grow to their maximum potential, even if it is beyond the abilities and skills of the coach in the same area. The questions are broken into four segments: Goals – what do you want to accomplish? Reality – What is happening now? Options: what could you do? Will – What will you do? In each segment, the coach asks questions and allows the coachee to set the agenda, but directs the conversation to cover the steps to making decisions that will accomplish the goals.

While it seems like it will take more time to coach than to simply tell or direct, the truth is that the responsibility and attention, not to mention potential excitement generated in the coachee will make the oversight of the coachee take less time in the future.

The last few chapters of the book covered the surprising topics of coaching teams and the deeper, spiritual benefits of coaching that helps people find meaning and purpose in their lives.