Coach, Manager, Leader

“Leadership builds something new. Management organizes what's already built.” --Carey Nieuwhof

In training and writing about organizational development, a false dichotomy is often set up between a leader and a manager, sometimes inferring that being a leader is much more important than being a manager. The reality is that both roles are needed. Leaders set the pace and nourish the vision; managers take care of the details that lead to the accomplishment of the vision.

Although every person has a tendency toward one set of skills rather than the other, both are needed in any effective organization. A charismatic pastor often needs a supportive administrator who complements his or her gifts. There are occasions where both sets of skills may be needed in the same person and an effort must be made to develop and employ some skills that may not come naturally to the individual.

Let me complicate the picture a bit by suggesting another set of skills that complement the work of a leader and that of a manager--coaching skills. When a person exercises coaching in the execution of her or his role, the goal is to help others to effectively engage in the work of the organization while pursuing their own calling. When leaders use coaching skills, they are utilizing one of the soft people skills that encourage others, call out their best, and invite them into the pursuit of the vision. When a manager uses coaching skills, he or she helps people to identify their growing edge and match that to their assigned role in the organization.

Coaching should be seen by leaders and managers as needed skill such as effective communication. Whether one is a manager or a leader, the person should be able to express himself or herself effectively both orally and in writing. Although their tasks are different, each can use coaching to both strengthen their role in the organization and be more effective in its execution.

Whether you see yourself as primarily a leader or a manager in your setting, consider how being a coach can help you to accomplish your responsibilities.

To learn more about coaching and coach training, contact me.

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