This week I have been reminded of how helpful and important coaching is in the work I do. A former colleague who I trained to coach called and asked me for a letter of reference for her work when I led her through her coach certification. At the same time, I have been struggling with an issue in my consulting work and trying to figure out my way through it. A pretty independent person, I usually find my way through obstacles on my own. But I also find that some of the best things I have done have not been done alone but have been the fruit of time I have spent with my coach. Sometimes it is the power of another set of eyes that makes something amazing come out well.

Over the last few years,  I have worked as a coach for leaders in the church and I have found that I have been able to help others work their way through challenges. Also, for the last nine years, I have paid Bob Logan to coach me and help me do my very best work. Sometimes this has been with issues I face in working with others as a consultant and teacher. Other times we have worked on things that have been issues in the parish where I serve as a pastor. Coaching helps draw the best out of someone and encourages them to produce their best work. Although I am a good coach, I also benefit from good coaching. In fact, the coach trainings I have been through have all emphasized – don’t use a coach who doesn’t have a coach!

Over the last few months, as I have been developing my work as Day 8 Strategies, there have been more than a few challenges. Being known for my work with a national denominational office and then as a partner with A Renewal Enterprise, just establishing a new identity of my own has been a lot of work. And with a need to communicate well with current relationships and also a need to establish new ones in new circles within the faith-based world, doing this by myself has proven to take a lot of time and energy. One of the challenges that has stumped me in that work became the focus for my coaching time with my coach this week.

It took about 45 minutes to have Bob walk me through some options, think about and clarify the issues, and reflect on what I could and would be willing to do. But, as so often happens when I let someone walk with me through my choices, a light bulb popped on and options for real progress suddenly emerged. I have a work plan and some clear steps to take care of in the next 2-3 weeks. I am confident that if I move ahead with them, good things will happen and the things that have stumped me for months now present some great opportunities for real progress.

I am sold on coaching as a key to success. Every process I lead at Day 8 Strategies now includes coaching as one of the key ingredients to maximize success. This week I was reminded of why I include it – because I need it, too!