Coaches can have a significant impact. In this article, I'd like the share the impact that one coach is having.
I met this individual by hiring him to be one of my coaches. (Even though I run a coach training program, or perhaps because of it, I hire my own coaches to improve aspects of my life, leadership, and business. That way, I learn from top coaches and also get better in my own life).
His name is Roger, and he has been a leading performance coach at IMG Academies in Bradenton. On the surface, I came to Roger and IMG to improve my conditioning and tennis game, but — as almost always happens in a coaching relationship — the value I'm getting is far deeper.
Roger has to be one of the most positive, grateful people I know. Every word out of his mouth is encouraging. He is constantly thanking me, and other participants, for our hard work. He tells us how glad he is to be with us. He shares his own stories of trials, tribulations, and successes. He shares how grateful he is for his work, his mentors, his family, and his newfound health (after shedding 100 lbs in a year). He constantly thanks other staff members for their hard work and contributions.
He points out our unique talents and tells us how much of a contribution we can make using them.
When we work hard after a drill or exercise, he thanks us. Immediately after we do something really well, he compliments us, and compares us to a pro athlete who has a similar style. If we are discouraged, he reminds us that we didn't have a failure, just an experience.
You might think that all of this positivity might get cloying after a while, but it never does. It is refreshing, and keeps everyone working incredibly hard and as a team.
I don't know about your work experiences, but I rarely have seen this kind of attitude at most corporations.
Now, imagine that Roger works with about 20 people a week, year round. His clients are highly successful people, usually in leadership roles. That's 1,000 people every year who are "infected" by his enthusiasm, gratitude, and love of life and continuous improvement. That's 10,000 people in a decade, and 25,000 people in the 25 years that Roger has been coaching. Plus, imagine that his attitude also rubs off on other staff at the IMG Academies, staff who trains thousands of professional athletes. That can have a huge impact on important role models in society (whether they want to be or not).
Do you want to change the world? As the old cliche goes, "First change yourself." Then, be so enthusiastic that your own sense of positivity and possibility rubs off on others.
On my part, I'm so grateful for the members of The Center for Executive Coaching and our sister coach training sites — and to Roger for reminding me of the importance of spreading gratitude during this season and every day of the year.
Sincerely,
Andrew Neitlich
Founder and Director
The Center for Executive Coaching
