What Does a Coach Do?

The above question is a question on many people's mind. What do I do? The best way to think about it is to think of a sports team. A Coach is there with the team. The Coach does not play in the game, but the Coach helps the players identify areas to improve their game.

The following is a list of things a sports Coach does with their teams:
- they provide encouragement, even when the team loses the game
- they encourage players to discuss all aspects of the game, the good and the bad
- they provide inspiration and motivation to the players by helping them see the positives
- they have a vision for the team, and are constantly sharing this vision with the players
- they constantly look for ways to help their players by identifying training needs, areas where they can help the player improve
- they are open to change, will listen to change, will listen to their players ideas, and the Coach is willing to make changes to see the team succeed
- they communciate expectations, and work with the team to meet the expectations
- they help the team stay focused on solutions rather than problems
- they believe in their people and work to ensure potential is developed
- they are demanding also wanting the team to do better; they ensure the skills the players have learned are practiced
- they will focus on the "why" something happened, not the "how" did it happen
- when on the playing field, the minute to minute decisions are made by the players, the Coach does not make all the decisions
- they sit on the sidelines and observe, they do not go on the field and play the game.

However, if the game is not going well, they will make changes for the overall good of the
team
- when the team wins the game, the team is in the lime light, the Coach is not the center of attention
- they create shared goals among the team
- they spend a lot of time getting to know and understanding each individual on the team
- they are committed to the team

If you translate the role of a "Sports Coach" to a "Business Coach" you find similar attributes that apply in a business environment. A "Business Coach":
- provides encouragement
- encourages open discussion
- provides inspiration and motivation
- provides direction to the team and shares the vision of the corporation
- identifies training needs and areas requiring improvement
- is open to change, willing to try new ideas
- communicates expectations
- focuses on solutions not problems
- believes in people, sees the potential
- has high expectations, ecourages and assists people to achieve their potential
- removes barriers and roadblocks to team goals
- ensures skills learned are put into practice
- focuses on the “why”, not the “how”
- steps in if team is outside the boundaries or not meeting expectations
- leaves the day to day decisions to the team
- rewards team for accomplishments, gives the team credit
- spends time with the team, identifying peoples strengths and weaknesses, understanding cultural differences, and issues that face each individual

A Coach, in a business environment, is also a role model for staff. The Coach sets an
example for others to follow. The behavior of the Coach, especially when all is not going well, is especially important. The Coach cannot say one thing and do another.