Managing vs. Coaching – Missional Challenge

[featured_image]I love coaching leaders, pastors, and church planters! It gives me incredible joy to use the gifts that God has given me to help others to “discover God’s agenda for their life and ministry, and then cooperating with the Holy Spirit to see that agenda become a reality.”

I received a copy of an article recently from my friend Becky with this note:

Dave (aka Coach Dave),

I enjoyed the thoughts in the article that was in the Signal. It reminded me of you! You were great at “coaching” me back in the “old” days at Lake Hills! And I know that’s what you are great at! Thanks for all your encouragement over the years. I know those in your ministry now will be being encouraged by your coaching!

Becky

Here are some highlights from the article: “Are you managing when you should be coaching?” by Kenneth W. Keller (president of Renaissance Executive Forums)

Managers spend more time dealing with the problems caused by the behaviors of some employees than they do trying to get the best from all employees. Instead of spending time mentoring and coaching employees to become better, managers have become record keepers of employee misdeeds, dealing with problems that have no place in today’s workplace.

Keller describes the attitudes and behaviors of a great coach by drawing comparisons from John Madden, coach of the Oakland Raiders (record: 103-27-7).

What made Madden coach and not manage? Coaching molds a person’s attitude, behaviors and skills. Madden did his best to motivate and counsel his players to help them identify and realize their full potential. He led by example.

Madden was a goal fanatic, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, an excellent listener, open to feedback, supportive, flexible and focused on learning and fun.

Describing Madden’s players, Keller notes:
With winning as the goal, they responded by winning. They saw the coach as a coach, someone who was teaching them to succeed, interested in their development and success, and they responded in kind.

I love coaching because I get to help people succeed. If you want to be a great coach – start by working on these things noted in the article: