Seven People Who Should Take Basic Coach Training

by Ircel Harrison, Summit Coach Training Coordinator

Coaching — executive coaching, life coaching, leadership coaching — is relatively new, but the impact of coaches in both personal and professional life has been significant. Coaches have a certain "soft skill" DNA. The best candidates are typically professionals in "people-centric" fields who have already shown an ability to encourage and develop others.

I suggest that there are seven types of individuals who may be ready for coach training and have the potential to use those skills effectively with others.

Clergy leader.

Pastoral leaders are called to do many things, but one that cannot be neglected is the development of others in the Christian faith. These people may be staff or lay members of the congregation. In Ephesians, we are reminded, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service.” (Ephesians 4:11-12, NIV). We are not called to a solo ministry. Clergy leaders can use their coaching skills to help others discover and use their gifts and talents for both ministry and personal development.

Soon to be retired clergy.

You know it is time to retire from full-time ministry, but you want to stay connected to others, especially by investing in leaders. You have two options— be a mentor and share your experiences with others or be a coach and use your experiences and perspective in ways to help clergy see their context in new and challenging ways. What you have experienced may not be identical to what is being encountered by pastoral leaders today, but your background helps you to empathize and build trust that is needed to be an effective coach.

Not-for-profit leader.

You work with both paid and volunteer leaders who believe in your mission, but what’s the value you can add to their experience? As a coaching leader, you can help them discover the potential within themselves as they serve your organization. The pay-off for your people is increased abilities and motivation. The pay-off for your organization is effective and engaged staff.

Therapist.

Licensed professionals often train as life coaches to move away from clinical work and toward "future-focused" goal setting. One coach who is also a trained therapist said, “I'd been a therapist for nearly twenty years when I signed up for Summit Coach Training. Why? Part of the reason was that I was interested in branching out into coaching and this gave me the hands-on experience I needed to know and feel the difference. It also helped me as a therapist. With training as a coach, I'm better equipped to help a client think strategically. I have learned to ask the right question at the right time. Coaching has become another tool in my toolbox for helping clients do the work they need to do.”

Manager who wants to become a leader.

Perhaps you are a manager and a good one, but you realize you can be more effective by investing in your team. Coaching skills empower you to bring out the best in them by developing their skills in communication, problem-solving, and communication. Coaching enhances the “soft skills” that are essential for personal development.

Educator.

The best educator is not the “sage on the stage but the guide on the side.” Educational institutions have discovered that teachers who become coaches can multiply the impact of their colleagues. One such coach says, “Working with a coach provides teachers with real time feedback and accountability. Coaches can follow up after professional development days to give feedback, clarify key learning points, or model strategies presented. Students are at the center of every conversation that a coach and teacher have which ensures that we keep the focus where it needs to be--student growth and success.”

New to the ministry.

When I graduated from seminary, I thought I knew what was needed to be an effective leader. Pretty soon, I discovered that I had a lot to learn, and I did it by asking questions of those who had the information I lacked. By learning the coaching skills of asking and listening, one new to ministry can broaden his or her perspective and encourage others as well, maximizing their effectiveness.

Whether you're in ministry, a pastor, volunteer, parent, nonprofit worker, educator, supervisor, or just someone who just wants to be more helpful to others, the coaching approach can amplify your impact while helping others achieve their goals. Think about being a coach.

If you want to learn more about coaching, contact me.