When it comes to coaching there is some confusion.
Often we hear the word “coach” used in a generic sense describing anyone who helps someone else – particularly in decision-making. One could almost use the words interchangeably with friend, mentor. teacher or consultant.
Of course some people gravitate toward the idea of an athletic coach, so when I tell them I’m a coach, they often ask, “What sport?” And I sometimes reply, “The sport if living.” (But that usually needs more explanation.)
But let me say, coaching is not mentoring.
A mentor is someone who has expertise and experience that they pass along to someone else who is following a similar path of life. Mentoring is a powerful and natural relationship, but is distinctly different from coaching. As a mentor, one passes on accrued wisdom to help someone else grow in and find success in similar ways.
In contrast, as a coach, one unlocks the wisdom in another person so that they find their own path for success. This means that the people being coached can grow and find success in ways the coach has never known or experienced. The limits of the person being coach are not bounded by the coach’s experience or knowledge.
While a mentor draws from his experiences, a coach compels the person being coached to drill down into their own knowledge, wisdom and dreams.
Coaching brings a discovery system rather than a delivery system.
If you feel you need a coach, give me a call.
Remember, a little help never hurts.
