Qualities of an effective coach
I recently watched the 90's classic kids' movie, The Mighty Ducks, with my daughter. It's about an ice hockey team, a motley group of tweens who, in the beginning, lose every game. Losing became their norm. A lawyer is then sentenced to community service and becomes their coach. The reluctant coach eventually grows to appreciate his team and transforms them into league champions.
What did this coach do to transform his team from bottom of the heap to top of the ladder in just one season? Yes, it's a Hollywood movie, but the answer to that question applies in real life too – in the board room and on the sports field.
Firstly, what is a coach?
The origin of the word ‘coach’ is derived from the French word coche and the Hungarian word kocsi - which means ‘a wagon or carriage’. According to Historians, the coach was named after the Hungarian town of Kocs. In the 15th century, the small village of Kocs made its living from building carts. The idea spread throughout Europe and the ‘coach’ was born.
Quite literally, the role of a coach is to transport a person or team from a starting point to the chosen location. Clients are metaphorically ‘carried’ to their desired outcome by the coaching method.
How does a coach effectively help clients reach their goals?
Qualities such as patience, persistence, accountability and integrity come to mind. A coach also needs to be a masterful listener and communicator.
But there is something deeper than that. Something intangible.
It is mind power.
This new Mighty Duck's coach physically trained his team, but, most importantly, he created an environment of lightness and optimism. This, in turn, allowed the kids' fears and frustration to shift to the background. All of that potential was in them, ready and waiting to ripen. It just needed the right environment and the right coach to bring it forth.
An effective coach can harness the power of the mind and use it to cultivate success. To do that, coaches – be it life, sports or leadership coaches – need the following qualities.
Top three qualities of an effective coach
1. Self-awareness
This is the critical first step to becoming an effective coach because without cultivating self-awareness within oneself, we cannot teach it to others.
2. Mind-mastery
By understanding how the mind works, coaches can tailor their coaching practice to align with their clients' unique beliefs and behaviours.
3. Training and preparedness
A good coach understands that the path to mind-mastery must be tackled in stages, with each layer building on the next. Therefore, a good coach prepares for each session and is ready for the opportunities and challenges that arise within each stage.
The power of the mind
Think back to the people in your life who have recognised and believed in your potential. When a person or a coach like this is present, it can profoundly impact our lives. That coach can literally, as the name suggests, transport us to the realisation of our potential.
I know in my cricketing career (read my story here) that skill is, of course, a factor of success. But the make or break between mediocre success and soul-satisfying success lies in the mind.
The mind is the most extraordinary power we possess.
Our unique leadership coaching approach enables this mind-mastery.
Ready to master your mind? Effective coaching can help you reach your potential. Leadology will show you how. Book your free consultation below to find out how we can help you on your leadership journey!