Coaching Leaders leading change LO11093

John Constantine (Rainbird@TRAIL.COM)
Thu, 21 Nov 1996 09:58:57 -0800

Replying to LO11074 --

Marting Raff brings up an interesting project, in helping others help
others; I offer this as a suggestion.

Do not consider teaching as "the same as" coaching. They are not the same.
Teaching involves focus on a particular, not a general topic. Coaching
requires focus on a general, not an particular issue. Who said so? I did,
just now.

Teachers can be coaches, coaches can be teachers, but the roles are far
different in each case. When one has mastered one's craft, then one can
teach. If one has understood the craft and its fundamental concepts, then
one can coach. Those who coach do not have to master the craft in the same
way as do those who teach the craft. An example: - I know how to hammer
nails, turn screws and do all the technical things necessary in order to
build a cabinet. I can write down step by step the way to do this, and it
can be replicated. I can teach this, and the recipient can follow the
instructions. - I understand the need for color, style, feel, scale,
smell, and all things which would allow the creation of a work of art. I
can coach, but only the recipient can create.

What I believe Deming and others like him have pointed out is the need for
more coaches, not more teachers. Think bigger, not in size but in scope of
ideas which enhance the human condition, bring out the fullness in human
endeavor. That is the challenge for those who wish to counsel leaders; you
can teach them to be leaders, but it would be better if, as Aristotle with
Alexander, there is more to the lesson than addition.

I offer my advice now to leaders. I wish others the greatest success in
similar endeavors, as Martin puts it so well...

" in making the personal journey towards a new place?"

-- 

Regards, John Constantine rainbird@trail.com Rainbird Management Consulting PO Box 23554 Santa Fe, NM 87502 http://www.trail.com/~rainbird "Dealing in Essentials"

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