When Do You Need a Coach?

In TransforMissional Coaching, Steve Ogne and Tim Roehl write:

“A great C.O.A.C.H. . . .

Comes alongside

Observes carefully

Asks questions wisely

Communicates options and resources

Holds accountable (and cares for the Heart)”

A life coach or leadership coach is not a miracle worker, but a good coach can make a positive difference for a person at crucial points in life. So when do you need a coach? Here are three (of many) possibilities:

1. You have accepted a new responsibility that may very well exceed your present capacity. You are being stretched. Perhaps you have accepted a new pastorate, a new leadership role in your denomination, a job with a new organization, or been promoted to a new responsibility in your present setting. It’s time to step up to the plate and hit a home run, but you need a batting coach. A coach can help you understand where you are, where you want to be, and help you plan how to get from here to there.

2. You seem to be stuck or plateaued in your present setting. Nothing seems to change in your world. You no longer feel a challenge but it is not time to leave. A good coach can help you to assess your resources and strengths, develop a vision for a preferred future, make plans to get there, and get started on the journey.

3. You are ready for a change. You are doing well in your present situation, but you feel that there must be something else you should be doing. Perhaps you feel the need to grow spiritually, to become more competent in some area of work or ministry, or you want to try something new. A good coach will help you to unpack that feeling—where does it originate, what are your possible courses of action, and how do you get started on a change?

A coach can help with any of these situations. A professional coach, someone who is trained and credentialed, will usually provide a free introductory session where you can get to know each other, determine if there is good rapport between the two of you, unpack your perceived need, and think about how to proceed. If the initial conversation does not work out, there is no harm, no foul.

In this initial conversation, the coach will talk about the expense involved. Don’t be frightened away from coaching by the financial requirement. Most coaches have a set fee but they are willing to work with you to make their services affordable. My granddad used to say, “You get what you pay for.” Quality coaching will cost something, but satisfied clients attest to the fact that it is worth the investment.

If you want to know more about coaching, please contact me. First session is free!

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