Category Archives: Coaching

You can raise the bar or you can wait for

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“You can raise the bar or you can wait for others to raise it, but it’s getting raised regardless.”

—Seth Godin, American author and a former dot com business executive

Image from Unsplash by Meghan Holmes

The 2024 summer Olympics begin on Friday July 26th. If you’re a fan like me, you’ll be tuned into this global event, watching over 10,000 athletes pursue new levels of excellence and those elusive medals.

My coaching career was inspired by the 5,000+ athletes and 2,000+ coaches at the 1992 Barcelona games.

Seeing the correlation between coaching and the highest levels of performance in sport inspired me to raise my own bar of achievement and help others pursue new levels of success in their personal and professional lives.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world do you see the bar being raised to new heights?

How and in what ways are you preparing for your personal Olympics with the goal of having a gold medal life?

What’s the least I can teach that will be the most useful

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“What’s the least I can teach that will be the most useful?”

—Michael Bungay Stainer, author of The Coaching Habit

Image from Unsplash by Kenny Eliason

My first career after graduating college was as a science teacher. My second career was as a pharmaceutical representative working with physicians and other medical professionals.

For the past thirty-two years, I’ve worked as a business and personal coach supporting individuals and organizations to reach higher and achieve more, personally and professionally. I suppose in many ways I’ve always been a teacher.

These days I am still a coach and teacher to my adult children and more recently as Pop-Pop to our two precocious and rambunctious grandchildren. Today’s quote is especially relevant for these little ones with their often limited attention spans.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life do you play the role of a teacher?

How would focusing on quality versus quantity in your wisdom sharing efforts make the biggest difference with the people you serve and support?

“Can you stay curious a little bit longer?”

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“Can you stay curious a little bit longer?”

—Michael Bungay Stainer, author of The Coaching Habit

Image from Amazon

Michael Bungay Stainer is one of the top coaches in the world. His best-selling book The Coaching Habit is among the most widely read books on the subject today with over 15,000 4- and 5-star reviews on Amazon.

When asked during a recent webinar with Chip Conely of the Modern Elder Academy for some of his very favorite questions he mentioned today’s quote.

As someone deeply committed to the growth and development of others, he points to personal inquiry and staying curious as key catalysts for realizing far more of our potential.

EXERCISE:

Consider tapping into your own inner coach by reading The Coaching Habit to see how this skill can be applied in your communities. Please also explore some of Michael’s other books including…

How to Work with (Almost) Anyone
How to Begin
The Advice Trap
Do More Great Work

There are no traffic jams along the extra mile

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“There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.”

—Robert Staubach, former Dallas Cowboy Quarterback

Image from Unsplash by Kathy

My signature coaching program — Personal Excellence Training — includes six months of weekly one-on-one coaching to support my client’s personal and professional objectives.

Today’s quote encourages each of us to lace up our sneakers and go the extra mile.

It’s not just about reaching the finish line, it’s about how the journey shapes us along the way.

We know we are on to something special when we push beyond our comfort zones, embrace challenges and give our all when so many others settle for less.

EXERCISE:

Where and when do you strap on your determination and ignite your passions?

When traveling these less crowded roads, don’t be surprised if you meet other champions along the way!

“A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be curious, to fight tirelessly for something.”

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“A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be curious, to fight tirelessly for something.”

—Paulo Coelho, Brazilian lyricist and novelist

Image from Unsplash by Jessica Rockowitz

Being a grandparent is the best! It offers us a second shot of youthful exuberance that many of us missed as parents — probably due to exhaustion.

Spending time with these little ones, often on the floor, only has one drawback — getting back up!

They say that the best coaching is a good example.

Who wouldn’t benefit from bigger helpings of happiness, curiosity, and the focused tenacity of pursuing our passions?

EXERCISE:

In what ways could you benefit from some kindergarten coaching from the little ones in your life?

Feel free to share any nuggets of wisdom you have received over the years.

Bask in the wonderment of being a conscious part of the universe

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Bask in the wonderment of being a conscious part of the universe.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Joshua Earle

Over the last 30 years, I’ve met thousands of other coaches who share a mutual commitment of supporting others to lead extraordinary lives.

One, named Jay Perry, has been a pioneer in the field and has influenced and inspired countless other coaches to pursue this meaningful and rewarding profession.

Jay came up with a concept he called a “wondershop” as an alternative to the more traditional workshops many of us have attended over the years.

Exploring new horizons and depths of living turned on many bright lights of insights for those who were lucky to participant.

EXERCISE:

Create your own outline for a wondershop you would like to attend.

Share this concept with people you admire and respect for their ideas to compliment your own.

Set aside some time with these folks to do some wandering and wondering around the universe.

How do the good and bad examples set by others offer you lessons on how to live

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How do the good and bad examples set by others offer you lessons on how to live?

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Kenny Eliason

When most people think about coaching, they visualize two people having a conversation, or someone speaking with a group such as a sports team. In both cases, speaking and listening seem integral to the process.

What if far more coaching occurred with a bit more show and a lot less tell?

In this case, our sense of sight and our ability to notice significant and subtle behaviors would play a more important role in what we take away and apply to our own efforts.

Our ability to explore the successful and unsuccessful results of our actions can then be applied to our future attempts.

EXERCISE:

Who are the people that set the best examples to help guide your life?

Where are your seeing bad examples to avoid?

How does an objective examination of the results of your efforts provide the best lessons to carry forward through your days?

Friday Review: Coach-ability

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Friday Review: Coach-ability

How “Coach-Able” are you? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“If you are not willing to learn no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”

 

 

 

“I will accept your influence, guidance, and direction if (and only if) I believe that you and I share similar goals.”

 

 

 

“Live your truth. Express your love. Share your enthusiasm. Take action toward your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering.”

 

 

Help the world by leaving a trail of who you are

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“Help the world by leaving a trail of who you are.”

—Mark Nepo, Author of The Book of Awakening

Image from Unsplash by Universal Eye

A few weeks ago, I was taking my daily walk and my cellphone rang. My natural reaction is always to look at the screen to see if it is a family member or someone I know. The call was from a location in Wisconsin where my son lives and yet the number was unfamiliar. My gut somehow had me take the call.

The woman on the line began her comments “You probably don’t remember me but about 20 years ago you spoke to me about coaching. Our conversation made such an impression, I chose to pursue this as my career as well.”

Although we never engaged in a formal relationship, somehow this initial genuine conversation had altered her entire career trajectory.

For many coaches, coaching is not just we do, it’s who we are. Our daily efforts do not always leave an obvious trail and yet we are all called to keep walking this path to bring out the best in others.

EXERCISE:

How are you walking your own authentic path intending to help and serve others?

What are some of the visible and hidden trails you have pioneered through your efforts?

Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness.  Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing.

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“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing.”

—August Wilson, 20th Century American Playwright

Image from Unsplash by Benjamin Davies

Consider the following statement on a one-to-five scale in which one is absolutely not and five is definitely yes.

I have a clear view of where I am and where I am going in my life.

This statement is part of my discovery process to help determine a potential client’s readiness to move their lives forward with a supportive coaching relationship.

For optimal success, these relationships benefit significantly through the deep and thoughtful process of examining and wrestling with their limiting beliefs and habits. Through careful illumination and generous self-forgiveness, each individual will most likely realize far more of their fullest personal and professional potential.

EXERCISE:

What steps can and will you take to more fully examine your own demons to help your angels sing? Consider picking up a copy of the book Taming your Gremlins by Rick Carson as a way to open this door of deeper discovery.

To explore your own readiness for coaching, please consider filling out my free Coaching Readiness Assessment.