(2025-2)
Recently I’ve spent some time thinking about coaching. In 2010, I was certified as a John Maxwell speaker, coach, and trainer. At the time, I was a bit bored in my job and wanted to make a change. Shortly after being certified, my role changed into one that was challenging and fun for me. I thought I’d put the Maxwell coaching on back burner while I focused on my new position.
While working, I utilized my Maxwell training, hosting mastermind groups for various employees. My plan was to stay fresh and use my certification after I retired. Retirement was an adjustment and I’ve only modestly utilized my coaching passion and skills. My life has been very fulfilling and enjoyable, due primarily to enjoying four grandchildren (https://mrhensonllc.com/whats-in-a-name/).
The children are growing up and are demanding less of my time and energy, so I am refocusing on my coaching business. This has involved a lot of introspection and study on the role of a coach. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a coach is “someone whose job is to teach people to improve at a sport, skill, or school subject.” A coach adds value to people.
My favorite leadership author and speaker, John C. Maxwell, taught me the importance of adding value to others. This teaching resonated with me. I truly enjoy doing it. I get a buzz out of watching people grow and improve. It’s not a job for me, it’s a calling. I’ve seen positive impact in others as a result of my actions. I particularly enjoy coaching people and watching them excel.
My personal experience with coaches started early. I remember two coaches in elementary school and junior high that impacted my growth and development. My Pop Warner football coach was instrumental in developing self-confidence and dependability. I can picture this coach, but I can’t recall his name. I was the smallest person on my team and not particularly athletic, unlike my father who lettered in every sport in high school. (Dad never verbalized disappointment, just continued to encourage and provide tips. What a guy!)
I remember two impacts these early coaches had on my life:
- In practice one day, coach put me in as an offensive lineman. The play called for the running back to run through my position. When the ball was hiked, I blew my block to a much larger lineman across from me. The running back was tackled for a loss. Coach then told us to run the play again but told me to switch with the running back. He then told the running back to purposely step aside. I was hit hard by that defensive lineman and tackled for a loss. Coach told me this was to let me know that other people would depend on me and I shouldn’t let them down.
- I had a great band director in school from 5th to 8th grade, Mr. DiCosimo. His son Vincent was my best friend during these four years. Vincent was an excellent musician. We both played trombone, but I wasn’t particularly good. As a result, I didn’t make the cut for the marching band. Mr. DiCosimo made me his “assistant” doing all the less-desirable tasks that are necessary to support a marching band. I learned from Mr. DiCosimo that I could add the most value to the band through applying my administrative skills. This also taught me that every position on any team adds value to the team by fulfilling their duties well.
I also recall my first supervisory position at Chevron well. I was humbled to be in it and strove to learn all I could about managing people. I relied heavily on input and advice from others, especially my father. I also read and studied all I could.
My first Chevron training program as a young supervisor, Supervisory Skills and Knowledge Program (also known as SSKP). It was a week-long program that included guest supervisors as teaching leaders. I’ll share more about my SSKP experience in a different post. I discovered that I really enjoy supervising employees. I even like preparing for and conducting performance reviews! This allowed me to develop my skills supervising and motivating employees.
I counted on many mentors and coaches in my Chevron life to both model and teach leadership and management skills to me. One of my favorites was Bob Robertson, my very first supervisor. He remained a coach and mentor throughout my career and was available to me after he retired.
Towards the end of my career, I had a unique experience. I got to see former employees surpass me (one even became my boss before I retired). True leaders aren’t threatened when this happens, they are humbled and pleased. Coaches enjoy seeing growth and improvement. It is what drives coaches to continue.
While reflecting on the role of coaches, mentors, and leaders, I learned the following lessons:
- A coach can help you identify and address your blind spots. I learned and grew so much while listening and taking advice from the various coaches in my life. I dealt with a matter of integrity early on in my career. If it hadn’t been for the guidance of my first supervisor, I wouldn’t have addressed it or succeeded in my career. (Yes, this is another teaser for a separate post!)
- Sometimes everyone just needs a relief valve. There have been times when I needed my coach to just be there for me and listen. The cathartic nature of verbalizing fears, challenges, or concerns is amazing. Having someone to be there for you without giving advice or direction is necessary. Sometimes a coach can guide simply by listening.
- Everyone needs a coach or coaches if they want to improve in their life or career. Different situations require different coaches. I wouldn’t hire a leadership coach to help me improve my golf swing. I wouldn’t talk to a life coach to help me grow my business. There are coaches that can address many different areas of life and career.
Have you had a good coach? What did you learn from them? How would you describe what an effective coach is or does? I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on this subject.
I help my coaching clients resolve their problems by coaching them through the identification of issues and barriers standing in the way of excellence. If you would like to discuss how coaching could help, email me at mike@mrhensonllc.com and we’ll schedule an introductory 30-minute session to see if there is value I could add to you.