Monday, March 4, 2013


Be Coachable

I coached cheerleading for over 10 years. It was easy to identify the girls who were interested in learning and improving, from the girls who thought they knew it all and didn’t need any help from anyone.  

These divisions are everywhere, our work places, our churches, our groups … all of our circles. Some people think their perspective is the end all. The others, the people who are interested in bettering themselves, the process, the journey and ultimately the story that is woven when all of our lives come together, are the people we should surround ourselves with. 

People who are coachable are worth investing in. They want to better themselves. They understand that life is a never ending journey of assessing, applying and improving – now and continually. Coaching others:
·         helps them
·         helps us
·         helps in the short term and the long term
·         It helps us all to see views from others’ perspectives. 

The people who are willing to listen to someone else’s perspective are valuable, and will be even more valuable after spending time with them. These are the people who understand that their view is limited and taking someone else’s opinions into consideration can make them and the process better. 

Don’t be the know it all. When you limit the importance and wisdom of others, you set yourself and your team up for failure. 

Find a coach, a mentor or someone you respect, someone you can learn from.
·         Show interest. 
·         Ask questions.
·         Apply what you learn.
·         Improve yourself. 

Or be a coach to someone who shows promise.
·         Let them know you care.
·         Take the time to teach.
·         To make them better.
·         To make you better. 

It all matters. It brings us together. It makes us better people and helps us all in our woven story. We all play our part. Whether you're in the office, or cheering for your team, the message is the same. 

Be coachable. Seek out improvement for yourself, the processes you are involved in and for others who want to develop and improve.