THE DILEMMA: MASTERING THE SCIENCE BUT MISSING THE ART

“Rod, I need help.  I have a very talented team member, but I have to move them into a position on our executive team that they are going to see as a demotion.  In reality, it is actually a promotion and vital to our team’s success.  I think I’m just going to rip the bandaid off and send him an email telling him we are moving him into the position Monday…I hate drama.  Do you think that is the right thing to do?” 

I told him what my wife tells me often, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.”  The science of leadership and communication is clear.  Be direct, honest and give all your reasons why you’re making the move.  How you inform the team member and get them to embrace the change and own it, is the art of communication, motivation and team synergy.  It’s coaching… and coaching is a crucial skill.

THE PRINCIPLE: ELITE LEADERS BLEND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE WITH THE ABILITY TO DEVELOP PEOPLE

In today's world, I don't see many coaches or leaders proficient in the art of coaching. Many can handle the science, but they struggle with how to communicate well, teach, motivate and handle people. We have a saying: "People are messy." If you don't like rolling up your sleeves and working with different personalities, you will not be an elite leader.

Elite coaches understand what needs to be done AND possess the interpersonal skills to reach the individual so they're intrinsically motivated to be their best. Great leaders develop proper habits that hold up under pressure while making their people feel valued.

INSIGHTS FROM COACH O: 7 TIPS FOR MASTERING THE ART OF COACHING

1. Be a Relationship Driven Teacher Who Asks and Listens

Today's people want someone they can trust who cares about them personally. Artful coaches ask questions first: "What do you want to accomplish?" Then they listen.

2. Develop Trust through Consistency and Following Through

The #1 killer of coaching is lack of trust. Consistency breeds trust, as does following through on commitments. You can't be a 'manic' leader.  Be a place of stability in your people’s lives.

3. Demonstration or Modeling is Critical

You must be able to demonstrate what you're asking at a basic level. World class leaders model the behavior they want to instill in others.

4. Create a Teaching Environment with 70-80% Success

Master instructors believe optimal learning requires 70-80% success with 10-15% failure to make learners stretch themselves. Failing gives them reason to try new techniques.  Keep your people confident and hungry to grow!

5. Know When to Break the Speed Limit

The Navy SEALs say slow is smooth and smooth is fast, but they also speed things up in training. Don't be obsessed with perfection. Let people discover their optimal speed by allowing them to go too fast sometimes, then have them throttle back.

6. Say More by Speaking Less

The coach who talks the most usually has the worst prepared players. Great teachers ask questions, give specific feedback, and limit words. Find the one thing that solves 80% of issues.

7. Have a Customized Blueprint for Success

Daily and season-long plans are imperative. John Wooden prepared three hours for every hour and a half practice to ensure proper execution and alignment.  Do you know what your wins are personally, professionally and with your family?  Do your people know your expectations clearly?

HIGH-PERFORMANCE LEADERSHIP TOOL: THE ART & SCIENCE ASSESSMENT

Ask yourself:

1. Do I know the science behind what I'm teaching?
2. Do I possess the teaching and coaching skills to transfer that knowledge effectively?
3. Am I developing people who can perform under pressure and without me present?
4. Where am I stronger: the science or the art?

SO WHAT NOW WHAT: BECOMING A MASTER COACH TAKES TIME

Master leaders are built slowly, layer by layer, year by year. Mastering the art of coaching is not easy, but it is a separator and creates difference makers.

One last thing: Mastering the art of coaching is no different than parenting. Some of the most artful leaders I know are excellent parents. Mastering the art of coaching and leading well, like parenting, is a life-long endeavor but well worth it.



Make it a great week and be a Legacy Builder!

Coach O

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Rod Olson or Coach O' is a catalyst and Coaches’ coach known for his ability to help high performing leaders and executive teams see things others don't see and find their ‘sweet spot’ as they lead and motivate others in the 21st century. He is the founder of the Coaches of Excellence Institute and the Coach O Consulting Group. Rod is also the author of three highly acclaimed leadership fables: The Legacy Builder, Wisdom Lunch Warrior and Greatest Motivational Tool. Rod's innovative ability to empower others to take their leadership and coaching to the next level, has resulted in consulting work with organizations spanning from the World Champion Texas Rangers to the White House. After nearly 20 years as a college football coach, Rod has spent the last decade plus, working with elite teams and organizations while teaching, coaching, and mentoring some of the top coaches and leaders in our country. He is a nationally recognized speaker and leadership consultant specializing in high level leadership coaching and culture development. Rod has clients in the corporate sector, professional and collegiate sports and in our United States military special forces. More Info at RodOlson.org