Q & A
Q & A Discussion: Bill Tenney-Brittian
What skills are needed in order to serve effectively as a coach of small-group leaders?
Bill Tenney-Brittian responds in our Q & A discussion.
| Topics: | Coach, Coaching, Equipping, Leadership, Leadership requirements |
| Filters: | Coach, Train |
| Purpose: | Ministry |
| References: |  |
| Date Added: | September 29, 2009 |
When I speak with church leaders about finding great coaches, they almost always want to find someone who has been successful (by the modern measure of Buildings, Baptisms, or Bucks) and ask them to coach. However, a simple look at the world of sports should serve to remind us that a great player does not necessarily make a great coach. The fact is, coaching is both an art and a skill, and anyone who can learn to listen well can become an effective coach.
If you're planning on being a small-group coach, you'll want to check your schedule before you start. Most in-house coaches fail because they don't have the time, or don't take the time, to make the necessary connections with their coached leaders. There's a huge difference between coaching and consulting, but many church-leaders-turned-coaches fail to recognize that they are working from a consulting paradigm. For instance, consultants only respond when they're called on; coaches make and keep regular appointments. Consultants come with answers; coaches come with questions. Once a consultant understands the situation, they talk more than they listen; coaches always listen more than they talk. Consultants advise; coaches encourage. The fact is, if you come from a consulting perspective, it's difficult to make the transition.
As for skills, there are two key skills that every coach needs. First, coaches must be skilled listeners. They must be able to hear what their coached leader is saying, what they're not saying, and what they're saying "between the lines." This skill isn't natural for most of us in today's culture, since we're trained to multitask. We tend to start thinking about what our response will be rather than listening carefully to what's being said.
The second skill necessary is the ability to ask effective questions. The coach's role is to draw out the best practices from their coached leader, and that almost always happens best when the right question sparks an "Aha!" moment. The best coaches are skilled in Socratic rhetoric, either naturally or by training.
There are, of course, additional skills necessary—such as the ability to keep the coaching appointment on track and so on. However, those who are willing to invest heavily in learning and practicing the above skills have a good shot at becoming effective coaches.
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