When we hear the word “coach,” we generally think of someone who helps people with skills development and game strategy. We're familiar with the images of sports coaches on the field, taking players through the process of practising new plays or basic skills.
But what is a leader-coach? Through the Executive Leadership Development Program, sponsored by the partnership of Simon Fraser University and The Salvation Army, 158 officers and lay people have learned that they can be leader-coaches. This concept is new to the way in which The Salvation Army thinks and acts.
Our history, steeped in military metaphor, is replete with leaders who commanded and followers who obeyed. This has accomplished a great deal for the movement, but there have been unintentional consequences. While there is efficiency in a command and control approach, the impact on individuals at times has been negative. Objectives were “owned” by those in command rather than those in the field. Mission was task-orientated rather than relationship-orientated.
The military metaphor is about being told: “Go here! Do this!” But leader-coaches help people arrive at their own conclusions. Seth Godin writes, “People don't believe what you tell them, they might believe what their friends tell them, they always believe what they tell themselves.” Leader-coaches speak into what people tell themselves. They come alongside by invitation, providing welcome feedback. They help people explore their own thoughts and beliefs, and develop a personal action plan.
When you're in a group, it doesn't take long to see who emerges as the leader. We sit and listen to the conversation. Who develops the direction of the group? Who listens to others and takes into consideration their thoughts? Leaders bring energy to ideas and help the group make decisions. Leader-coaches draw out the best in others. They ask questions, develop hunches, provide feedback, allow people to find their own way forward and then hold them accountable for their commitments. It takes a deep belief that the people they lead are capable, self-responsible adults.
Lastly, leader-coaches use their developed understanding of organizational behaviour to help build trust in a future. This is what most excites me about the intersection of this concept with The Salvation Army. Leader-coaches work to keep the mission in focus, building a better future for all those who cross our path.
Major Fred Waters is an Area Commander in the Prairie & Northern Territories Division. Edmonton and the north is his perspective presently on family, friends and ministry. Fred enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and gardening. Together with his wife, Wendy, he has shared in the experiences of youth ministry, corps officership and administration.
But what is a leader-coach? Through the Executive Leadership Development Program, sponsored by the partnership of Simon Fraser University and The Salvation Army, 158 officers and lay people have learned that they can be leader-coaches. This concept is new to the way in which The Salvation Army thinks and acts.
Our history, steeped in military metaphor, is replete with leaders who commanded and followers who obeyed. This has accomplished a great deal for the movement, but there have been unintentional consequences. While there is efficiency in a command and control approach, the impact on individuals at times has been negative. Objectives were “owned” by those in command rather than those in the field. Mission was task-orientated rather than relationship-orientated.
The military metaphor is about being told: “Go here! Do this!” But leader-coaches help people arrive at their own conclusions. Seth Godin writes, “People don't believe what you tell them, they might believe what their friends tell them, they always believe what they tell themselves.” Leader-coaches speak into what people tell themselves. They come alongside by invitation, providing welcome feedback. They help people explore their own thoughts and beliefs, and develop a personal action plan.
When you're in a group, it doesn't take long to see who emerges as the leader. We sit and listen to the conversation. Who develops the direction of the group? Who listens to others and takes into consideration their thoughts? Leaders bring energy to ideas and help the group make decisions. Leader-coaches draw out the best in others. They ask questions, develop hunches, provide feedback, allow people to find their own way forward and then hold them accountable for their commitments. It takes a deep belief that the people they lead are capable, self-responsible adults.
Lastly, leader-coaches use their developed understanding of organizational behaviour to help build trust in a future. This is what most excites me about the intersection of this concept with The Salvation Army. Leader-coaches work to keep the mission in focus, building a better future for all those who cross our path.
Major Fred Waters is an Area Commander in the Prairie & Northern Territories Division. Edmonton and the north is his perspective presently on family, friends and ministry. Fred enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and gardening. Together with his wife, Wendy, he has shared in the experiences of youth ministry, corps officership and administration.
Leave a Comment