POWERHOUSE GLOBAL STARS
FOREVER A COACH FOREVER A STUDENT
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— BY ANTHONY C. GRUPPO
any of the best coaches I know are not always from the world of sports. They are parents, business leaders, and others that coach their children and colleagues to achieve to their potential. The game may change for all of us, but one truth is eternal; we are forever coaches and students. Although we may coach others, as lifelong leaders we are students as well. Successful coaches have the capacity to elevate the performance of a student to another level. All a coach can hope to achieve is to elevate the student to reach the maximum level of their ability. Trust me, this is not an easy thing to do! A coach must understand their student’s needs, moods, and fears. A priority is to gain the respect of their student. Indeed, this may be the defining characteristic of a coach. A coach goes beyond the boundary often set for an instructor or teacher. A coach develops an understanding of the true personality and other hidden nuances of their student. The history books are filled with talented players that failed because they took to the road of challenge without a coach. A true coach establishes a bond of trust that is similar to a parent. It is the same with a professional sales manager or other business coaching teams. Parents must seek to understand their children’s needs and personality. If we coach from our needs and not our student, we eventually jeopardize the success of both the coach and student.
12 NOV-DEC 2020
The best coaches have the ability to push a student to reach limits. Limits in many cases, the students didn’t know they were capable of achieving. These coaches must recognize the moment when they have extracted all that is available from their student or colleague. Some coaches push beyond this level. Trouble for student and coach is not far behind. The interaction of coach and Student is like a mirror. A mirror that reflects the strengths and weakness of both. As a parent, motivator, or coach make a firm commitment to go the distance. Never overlook anything for your protégé. Develop your personal coaching style. A coaching style that represents your beliefs and values. Your coaching style is your brand. A brand that will label your legacy as forever a coach who cared. A coach who cared about their student and their mission.
