This Sign May Indicate A Coach Has Limited Knowledge
I’ve had the pleasure of being coached by several very good coaches throughout my life. Reflecting back on what made these good coaches good, there is one indication in particular that I believe set them apart. Knowledge…
Knowledge is a gigantic piece in the coaching puzzle. Obviously, how a coach transfers that knowledge to their student is another major piece. However, it almost goes without saying that without the knowledge there can be no knowledge transfer.
What’s more, just because a coach has been coaching for a long time doesn’t mean they have knowledge, and just because a coach is young doesn’t mean they don’t. Age and years coaching is not a good indication of a coach’s knowledge. Instead, the best indication of a coach’s knowledge is found in how they apply what they know.
With that said, a coach who lacks knowledge only has one way to do things. To put it differently, a coach who lacks knowledge only has a hammer and everything is a nail. On the other hand, a knowledgeable coach knows that everyone is different. They understand that each one of their students will have slightly different strengths, motivations and personalities. Therefore, a knowledgeable coach assesses their student first, builds a toolkit, then uses their knowledge to use the right tools with that student at the right time.
Coaches who take this toolkit approach are the coaches I suggest you gravitate towards. Conversely, a coach who tells you their way is the only way I suggest avoiding.