My first coach was a Gymnastics coach who I met when I was 7 and even though at that young age I had no idea what made him a good coach ... I can break it down now. I'm able to break it down after being a Gymnastics coach myself for over 20 years and also from all the life coaching training I have gained since overcoming breast cancer. I've also had really poor coaching ... and that too gives you lots of insights into how to be a better coach.
So the first thing I want to say about Dave my very first coach is that he was strong. He never missed a catch when bodies were flying around in the air. He was totally trustworthy. He also had a proven track record, I saw the girls that he had been training for years performing really complex skills, I knew he could get me there too. He was also a great communicator, he listened deeply and he would inspire me as an individual.
He knew what I was capable of (and a little bit more) but he never gave me false hope or expected me to do more than the limits of my body. He wasn't someone who used a one size fits all approach, when he coached, he coached me. He wasn't following a book or a plan, he saw Louise and powerfully coaxed her out of me. He was also incredibly kind, gentle and funny ... and I felt like he just 'got me.' Plus really importantly he instilled this sense of belief in me which ultimately got under my skin ... until I believed in me too.
When you are looking for a coach ... you might like to think about some of the qualities I have highlighted in Dave (bullet pointed below) These are qualities I have noticed in other coaches I have met throughout my life, they are universal. Having someone to bring out my talents and strengths when I am going through often uncomfortable periods of growth, change and learning is one of the greatest blessings of my life. Maybe it’s something you need too?
A good coach ...
- is a tower of strength but gentle and kind
- has training as well as experience in your area of need
- is trustworthy, honest
- has a proven track record
- sees potential with honesty
- offers a tailor made approach, doesn't work from a one size fits all model
- is someone who just 'gets you'
- is someone who believes in you and helps you to ultimately believe in yourself
I offer a free half hour introductory call (either by Zoom or phone) if you are curious about how coaching might help you recover and reconnect to yourself after breast cancer or any other major life changing events. I'm happy for you to run through that checklist above with me.
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