Finding a Coach

The terms mentor and coach have been used widely in recent years, often interchangeably. For clarity it is helpful to differentiate between the two.

Mentors have the connotation of being elderly sages who impart wisdom with each breath. They have, through years of experience, acquired a knowledge base as well as an experience base that those wishing to be mentored greatly desire.

Coaches, on the other hand, generally have a skill that enables or facilitates a person or team to greater heights of achievement than what they could attain on their own. Professional teams often have multiple coaches, each with a specialization.

For The Alliance, coaching is a way to help you develop into the person God has called you to be. A coach is someone who can look at your life and ask objective questions and make statements that will enable you to examine your life and make changes that will spur you on to new growth in a variety of areas in your life.

Have you ever played a sport for a while and then seen yourself playing that sport on a video? Often, by seeing yourself as others see you, you can discover flaws in your game that you would not discover otherwise. Coaches offer that same benefit to you, to be that camera into your life that will facilitate growth.

So, what should you look for in a coach like this?

  • Experience.      This does not mean old. A 20-year-old Marine has far more experience shooting a rifle than most men twice their age. Ideally you look for someone who has walked a similar path to the one you are interested in walking down.  Knowing that your coach has traveled a similar road fills you with confidence that his/her questions are intended for your growth and development.
  • Objectivity.       A coach is someone that you can look to for objective analysis of your situation and is not afraid to confront you in love when needed. Relatives generally make poor coaches, often because we assume they are biased, either for us or against us. Someone who can provide you with a good assessment of your situation will help you develop in your weak areas as well as spur you on in areas of strength.
  • Connection.      You need to find someone with whom you feel a connection, that they are genuinely interested in you and your growth. Choosing a coach is not like hiring an impassive patron who is only interested in checking off goals that have been achieved. You need to sense that through their questions, sometimes very direct questions, you know they want you to grow into your destiny. Feeling comfortable with your coach will enable you to achieve a level of growth you will not likely see without it.
  • Availability.      Not all coaches will have the time needed to assist you in your development. Look for someone who is busy, but not so busy as to prevent them from investing in you. Your coach should be able to connect with you on a regular basis (a frequency that you and your coach agree to).

Once you have agreed on a coaching relationship please let us know that you have identified a coach by clicking here.