When you hear the word “coach,” what comes to mind? A drill sergeant yelling on the sidelines? A calm guide helping you find your inner peace? Well, in a recent hackathon program, I had the chance to dive into the different coaching styles and discovered that they can be boiled down into three unique types. Let’s explore these styles: “The Knower,” “The Doer,” and “The Breather.”
The Knower: Copy-Paste Coaching
This type of coach operates much like a walking Wikipedia. They know all the theories, strategies, and buzzwords, but they rarely put them into practice themselves. Picture this coach as someone who attends all the seminars, takes extensive notes, and regurgitates the same material to their students. They are like a copy-paste machine: all the knowledge, none of the real-world application.
The Knower is helpful to a point; they deliver a lot of information, but without the added experience, it often falls flat. It’s like trying to learn swimming from someone who’s never touched water. Sure, they can tell you what to do, but would you really trust them to save you from drowning?
If you recognize yourself in The Knower, don’t worry! There’s room to grow. Start applying what you teach and see the difference it makes for you and your students.
The Doer: Walking the Talk
Next up is The Doer. These coaches know the theory and they’ve taken it for a test drive in their own lives. They’ve moved from knowledge to action. They share real-life examples, draw on their personal experiences, and have the battle scars to prove it. This coach doesn’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk.
For students, this can be incredibly motivating. Who doesn’t want to learn from someone who’s actually been there and done that? The Doer offers more than just advice—they provide proof. By watching a Doer in action, students can see that the teachings have practical value. It’s like learning from a swimmer who’s not only survived the deep end but thrives there.
However, The Doer has room for improvement too. While they are great at sharing experiences, they might still be missing that extra layer of inspiration that comes from total immersion.
The Breather: Living and Breathing It
Finally, we have The Breather. These coaches are in a league of their own. They don’t just know or do; they embody the teachings. They breathe it, live it, and can’t imagine life any other way. This type of coach radiates passion and authenticity, and they don’t need a lot of words to make an impact. Just a few minutes with them can leave you feeling like you’ve been given a roadmap for life.
The Breather’s impact is immense. They don’t just teach; they transform. Students and new leaders walk away not just with knowledge or motivation but with a sense of purpose. It’s like learning swimming from a dolphin—you’re in awe of how seamlessly they blend with the water and you want to follow their lead.
So, which coach are you? And more importantly, which coach do you want to become? While there’s value in all three styles, there’s no denying that the Breather has the most profound impact on students. So next time you’re in a teaching role, ask yourself: am I just talking, or am I truly living my message?
Sign-off:
Well, there you have it—the secret sauce behind impactful coaching. Whether you’re copy-pasting, walking the talk, or living and breathing your teachings, remember: your students are counting on you to show up authentically. After all, no one wants to learn swimming from a landlubber!
P.S. If you catch yourself just “knowing,” take a deep breath and dive in. Your students will thank you!
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