When preparing to coach, your frame of mind is
as important as the skills you bring to the coaching conversation.
Let's consider four cornerstones to help you develop a mindset for great coaching.
First, believe that coaching is a process, not an event.
Development, learning, and change take time.
A new way of thinking, of being, of doing, all require time and
energy and development of new habits.
Know the process doesn't happen overnight, so it takes time.
Next, consider your approach to coaching conversations as a chance to mine for
gold not dig for dirt.
There's a story I came across in the Houston Business Journal years ago that's
become one of my favorites and makes the case for this point.
At point in US history,
Andrew Carnegie was one of the wealthiest individuals in America.
He came to the United States from Scotland with his family when he was very young.
Worked a variety of jobs and
ended up as the head of the largest steel manufacturer in the country.
At one point, Carnegie had 43 millionaires working for him.
And in those days, a millionaire was very rare.
Our reporter interviewed Carnegie and
asked how was it possible to have 43 millionaires at his payroll.