Coaching
(First published on tammira.blog on July 22, 2024)
Have you ever had a great coach? Or been one? The topic of coaching is on my mind often because it is vital in two of my favorite things - business and sports. As a player, fan, and an executive, I've had and seen some great coaching. I am always striving to improve my skills and be a great coach. But what does it take?
Do coaches get too much credit or not enough? I spent several days this summer watching our son compete at the top boy's club volleyball tournaments in the US. The winning coach of the national championship team in the 17-year-old division posted a video of herself pacing before the quarterfinals against my son's team and saying that coaching is harder than playing. Is it? Or is that just how she felt in the pressure of the moment? She's worth a follow for interesting and fun takes on coaching and life. One reason that this national champion coach cited that makes coaching harder than playing is that a coach can definitely make her team lose but only players can make their team win. I have found myself having similar thoughts about parenting. I wonder how many coaches, many of whom are former players, would say coaching is harder than playing. What do you think?
I have played but never coached sports, so I don't really know which is harder. What I know for sure is that when done at their best, coaching and playing demand a tremendous amount of work and dedication and can be extremely rewarding. I am a big fan of it all in sports and business.
How much difference can a great coach really make? If we look at how much coaches are paid on top sports teams, it implies that people paying the bills think that coaches make a dramatic difference. I'm definitely a believer that coaching matters; however, I also think the "market" often overpays for supposedly superior coaches in sports and business only to be disappointed.
On another note, there was a high profile exit of a coach from one of my favorite sports teams last month. It was so bad that I won't even write about specifics because I don't want to give that coach more attention. One aspect that struck me the most about that situation is how much negative information about his coaching and character came to light AFTER his departure. Why is that?
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We focused on coaching in July for the Conscious Conversations monthly series that I'm leading for the Houston Chapter of Conscious Capitalism. One idea from business leaders is that excellent coaches remove roadblocks. A practical tip that leaders recommended is to ask regularly, "What roadblocks can I remove for you?" In Conscious Leadership, John Mackey and his co-authors say, "...conscious leaders recognize that it is part of their own role to be a coach, and they work to encourage that recognition in every leader and team within the organization." I'm working on that. Are you?
Ready for another idea that has stuck with me about coaching? As a kid in Houston, one of the first coaches I ever admired was legendary Stetson-wearing Houston Oilers football coach, Bum Phillips. Several years ago, I got to hear a former player talk about being willing to "run through a wall" for Bum. That's a thought that I come back to over and over again. How can I be a leader and coach that inspires people to "run through a wall" with me? What could my teams accomplish if I'm able to do that?
OK, one more thought for today. During a tough time when I was CEO of an investment firm, this 2-minute video from Olympian coach and player Kara Lawson inspired me. I shared it with my team during an all-hands meeting to communicate my struggle and hopefully help our team. My favorite part:
"It will never get easier. What happens is you handle hard better."
Still working on that. How about you?
What are your thoughts on coaching? I've got more ideas and questions on the parallels and highs and lows of coaching, leading, parenting, and being a sports fan, but I'll pause here for now. Let's all coach more in 2024!
Root + River•4K followers
1yThank God for amazing coaches! Yes, I have definitely had a most generous, wise and insightful group of coaches in my life and career, both formal and informal. Their support and vision have helped me through tough times and easier times, too. They provide context, which is why I love the Kara Lawson video of "handle hard better," it's very inspiring because it reframes with a new context. You asked what good coaches do. I think good coaches always believe in you. They give you a place to dump out your thoughts, feelings, worries; then sort them out for you and help you prioritize truths. As an iteration on what you wrote, I think excellent coaches remove your self-imposed roadblocks. With the advantage of distance, experience, empathy and some degree of objectivity, they can see you clearer and help you step surer into who you are. (And in the spirit of being an encourager: I am so proud of you Tammira Philippe for crushing your blog writing goal for this year. Well done!) Steve Kerr is a professional coach I admire. So is Dawn Staley. Good coaches show you how impossible is possible. They know how to challenge from love. This is also what can make for great parenting moments, too.
Raymond James Investment…•3K followers
1yTammira, thanks for the insightful article! And it is a powerful message coming from a great coach like you. The video is right on point.
True North Advisors•2K followers
1yTammira - great blog. I have always viewed you as a great leader/coach. You are always intensional and have empathy for others. Great video of the Duke coach. Right on target!
Dr. Ed Barron Consulting•1K followers
1yTammira! I like it! I've been coaching, in an official capacity, for over 5 years but my approach to Leadership development, personal transformation, skills building and knowledge acquisition has always been grounded in a coaching philosophy. Great coaches understand the difference, and balance, between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. They are adept at helping their clients identifying internal barriers and drivers so they can minimize the effects of the former while maximizing the latter. I'm a HUGE fan of coaching! Keep up the great work ,my friend!
Baumeyer Coaching•2K followers
1yThanks for your thoughts on coaching. This part stood out. You wrote “One idea from business leaders is that excellent coaches remove roadblocks.” While I can appreciate the sentiment, I challenge this by saying…. ‘Excellent coaches have ones they are coaching remove the roadblocks themselves.’ Keep the thoughts coming, Tammira. We like hearing from you.