This is an edited version of a blogpost from 2012. I was reminded of this post the other day when Denise Graveline reminded me that behind all the jargon, behind all the blogposts, the training, the travel, the networking and the varied clients I have – I am only one thing. A coach. She is a coach too and, I am proud to add, a client. But sometimes I think I learn more from her than vice versa. Funny old world. Anyway, enough wittering on from me… I hope you enjoy this post.
Words Count…
Words count. They have power and meaning and meanings and hidden meanings. And titles are words.
I used to be a tennis coach. That was my title. My card. My identity. Then I became a language coach. But then trainer was thought to be a better word. So I became a trainer. Then people said I should be called a consultant. (“The money’s better if you are a consultant” they said). So I became a Communications Consultant. And Trainer.
Then I started speechwriting so I was a Speechwriter too. And then there was strategy to consider. Which I also do. So I was a strategy-mapping, speechwriting communications consultant and trainer.
Until a few weeks back.
I went to watch my niece’s stepkids work out. They do gymnastics.
The gym is the entire top floor of a big industrial shed. It must have cost a fortune to design and furnish. Everything looks new and professional.
There is (the father moaned) a strict and expensive dress code for the kids. The guy in charge says uncompromisingly that if they want to compete they have to wear the kit.
Parents sit around and chat, surf the web or watch their kids being put through their paces through the full length viewing window or from the viewing platform (a bit like a squash court viewing area). Full transparency here!
The guy in charge is young, very calm and obviously knows exactly what he is doing. He has a group of 7 or 8 kids working very hard. He literally pushes them physically when they need to stretch more and bends joints and arms and legs and backs. Gently but very firmly. The kids grimace at him occasionally but he knows it is what has to be done. He corrects them with a few smiling words and a guiding hand. He sips water calmly while they obediently and enthusiastically run from one exercise to the next. The kids laugh a lot.
In the viewing area there are glass cabinets full of pictures of kids holding up medals and cups. And some very large champion looking cups – a few are the same size as the kids! The man is good at what he does and he obviously gets results. I am sure he does strategy. He definitely understands the skills required. And the discipline and the work. He communicates well. But he is more than that….
He wears a tracksuit – like the one I used to wear when I was a tennis coach. And on the back it says in very large letters COACH. That’s it. One word.
I was humbled to watch him work. I know I can be better. He inspired me to be better and to try harder. He motivated and moved me without talking to me or even knowing I was there. He is a coach.
I am proud to be part of that industry. Coaching people to reach, stretch and push their personal best. I love being a coach. I want to be a better one. I will keep on trying to be a better coach – pushing and encouraging people to stop underselling themselves and to perform to their maximum potential.
P.S. I coach people in storytelling. That includes interview preparation, political careers and campaigns, charities and business. So if you need a coach – get in touch.
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net