CoachNet Campfire

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I run. Nearly everyday I put in a few miles with long runs on the weekends.  I try to wedge in a marathon or two each year but run mostly for the benefits both physical and emotional.  I used to run by myself but now I run usually in a group or at least with one other runner.  My neighbors across the street have finally gotten the running bug and Nik is my die-hard running partner.  He’s younger and faster so that’s good for me and I’m older and more experienced and that ’s good for him. Mostly, however, the help we provide each other is presence. In other words, just showing up.Whether it is the motivation of knowing I better get ready and head out the door because my running buddy is waiting, his word along the way to keep going or the setting of a faster (or sometimes slower) pace, a running partner is invaluable.  Two running together can always go further or faster than those running apart.  This was very true in last week’s half-marathon. With too fast of a start and a bum knee between us the race just didn’t look good at the start. But by calming him down and he encouraging me we settled into our agreed-to pace and ran the race of a life time…finishing almost five minutes ahead of our goal.

After the race Nik said I could not have done this with out you and I said the same. But it wasn’t just what happened during the race, rather, it was all the training miles together. Of pushing each other, challenging each other and more than once telling the other to take the day off from running for recovery sake.  Of sharing resources, lessons, sorrows and celebrations.  After the first mile or so, most of our runs are in relative silence. Just the rhythm of footfalls and breathing with only an occasional, “How ya doin?”  Most end with just a handshake or high five and a “Good run!” That’s all.  But our running was better simply because the other was there.

Time after time those being coached say the real lasting value of coaching was in the fact that their coach was “there.” Present and engaged, focused on the coachee’s issues, situation and concerns. Helping them reflect and find their own best solutions usually without giving any input beyond showing up and staying focused and asking good questions.

Good coaching is hard work. Requires preparation, forethought, patience, resources, skill and discipline. But nothing is as powerful as simply your presence. Undistracted, dedicated and intentional.  Your presence in the lives of those you coach does more than any other single element of your coaching.

So are you “showing up” by being fully present in the lives of those you are coaching? Are you undistracted during your appointed conversations? Are you well prepared for each appointment? Are you consistently maintaining focus? Is your coaching better today than it was last year? Are those you are coaching “running a better race” because of your coaching?