High performers have THIS in common...

Norma - I'm glad it made sense to you. I sat down last night and the post just came to me. When I hit post it was very late. I don't know about you but hitting "send" or "post" on the computer late at night sometimes isn't the best idea.  :-) Thank you for the reassurance.

Janice - I know exactly what you mean and it's difficult to describe and express. It's too easy to hang a shingle that says "Coach" with nothing behind it but good intentions. It's easy to claim that "having a conversation" is coaching. It's not. The secret to superb coaching lies in the technology and the system - not the personality of the coach. Charisma (on its own) will not change peoples' lives.

Sally & David- Yes, it's no different than comparing two Realtors. One operates with a high level of knowledge, integrity and a commitment to service - the other does not. To the untrained eye they both appear to be the same - Realtors. Anyone with first hand experience can spot the subtle differences in a spit second. Unfortunately, too many people lack this intuitive sense. Malcolm Gladwell addresses the ability to intuitively sense an original over a fake in his bestselling book "Blink". Have you read it? It's a great book! (He's also the author of The Tipping Point).

Ann- You are right about that. It does take courage and commitment to enter into a coaching contract. As people, we get comfortable when our actions and environment look a particular way. Transforming a relationship, life or business does take a disruption of the ordinary. It is natural for people to resist disruption - even when we know that ordinary is not providing the outcomes we truly desire. A masterful coach will uphold an unconditional positive regard for us and provide a safe environment in which we can practice. With practice it is possible to develop a competency in being confident and peaceful in the face of any situation or circumstance. As a top performer I always have a coaching structure in place...though that structure may vary and take different forms at different times in my life.

Marzena - Thank you. It sounds like you've had good experience in this area.

Kristin - You've nailed it! That is the key.

Thanks, Craig.  ...and who would have imaged Tiger Woods losing his GM endorsement contract?  Sheesh! What's the world coming to? ;-)  - Tana

Hey Tim,

Excellent comment...very thought provoking. I'm going to take that on...consult with our head coach to create a decision matrix...a tool to assess "intangibles".  I will either post an update or create an entirely new post.  Thank you for continuing to raise the bar.  I love it! 

- Tana

Jim - You are bang on!  I think what often happens is that we collapse the concept of coaching with a lingering teenage resistance to "being told what to do".  There's a key distinction in performance between those who not only welcome feedback - they seek it out - and those who simply don't want to know. I don't know how old I was when I first decided that life is like a game. I'm not competitive in terms of athletic sport but I certainly have a strong desire to win at the game of life.  I measure the choices I make each day against a view that's 45 years in the future and ask myself...when I'm 90 will I regret doing this?  Will I regret not doing it?. - Tana

Liz - How did I get so lucky as to have you as my friend. Such a gentle nudge yet your message speaks volumes. I get it.  Thank you.  - Tana

Terrylynn - Good for you!  I hope you'll check in with me and let us know how it's going for you.  What do you like about it?  What would make your coaching experience even better?  Every reflection is an opportunity to learn and leverage the learning through sharing with others. Your timing is perfect. In times of change - try something different. Obviously you are commited to taking new action.  - To your success, Tana.