It's not just semantics LO6519

DAVID REED (DPR9989@KGV1.bems.boeing.com)
Mon, 08 Apr 1996 12:02:57 -0700 (PDT)

Replying to Ginger LO6349 --
> My fear of using the word "coach" is that people will think of competitive
sports. I'm a student of Alfie Kohn's work--No Contest: The Case Against
Competition. In its original form, the word coach meant "a tutor, for
getting one through examinations." Like leadership and so many other
monikers we use today to describe role and responsibilities, we can
interpret them how we see fit. But what did the sender intend? I keep
working to understand what people mean when they use these familiar words
in new ways. I suppose they mean to communicate new ideas so I look for
them.
(End of Quote)

AH!! Thanks, Ginger, for throwing out the first pitch! (so to speak).

Look closely at the processes a coach uses for doing her/his work.
o They help recruit the best talent
o They help the team develop a mental image of the goals and a roadmap on
how to achieve them.
o They stress both personal mastery of one's skills and of the teamwork
necessary.
o They ensure that the team learns together what it takes to win.
o When the game begins and the team takes the field or court, the coach
tries to remove all roadblocks for the team to win; They manage the clock.
They ensure the best set of skills and talents and energy is playing.
o But they do not play (usually) and cannot win for the team. Only the
players can win the game (empowerment).
o They set metrics around team performance.
o They often put themselves at risk for the good of the team.

Yes coaching often sets an image of competition. But, I believe that
competition is the game business is playing. A team leader does not
influence the team using the same processes. They serve as a model for
action and responsibility. I guess you can say a coach pushes and a leader
pulls. You need both to be effective.

David Reed "Uh-oh" is a state of mind.
H R Strategy Development Uh-oh people seem not only to
(206)655-3245 M/S 11-40 expect suprise, they count
dpr9989@kgv1.bems.boeing.com it. --(R.Fulghum)--

-- 

DAVID REED <DPR9989@KGV1.bems.boeing.com>

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>