Now that the Republican debates are in full swing and the candidates are making appearances all across the country, it is becoming obvious that the candidates could use some leadership coaching services. If they had a good leadership coach, they would know when to keep their mouths closed!

Most candidates for political office are big thinkers, even if they don’t always seem like it on television. Rick Perry may not seem like an astute thinker, but it is doubtful he would have reached the governor’s mansion in one of the largest states in the nation without presenting some big ideas. The ideas may not all be wonderful, and they may not be helpful to a nation mired in a depression, but they are most likely big!

Though big thinkers believe all their ideas are the next great leap forward, it is true that many of them are merely ego driven and should never reach the public forum. Big thinkers need someone who can offer an objection opinion and new perspectives on that big idea. This is where professional leadership coaching services come in. Cast in the light of a coach’s perspective, some of their ideas may not appear as dazzling as the candidates originally thought.

The personal lives of all candidates are dissected and debated. Would JFK have ascended to the presidency if his personal life were public fodder for Fox News or CNN? Would Franklin Roosevelt have been elected to four terms if his affair had been made public? It is highly doubtful. In this media-crazed world, those candidates would have needed to use a good leadership coaching service!

But, back to the Republican candidates and their need for leadership coaching services. Though Obama’s approval rating is below 50%, it doesn’t appear that any of the Republican candidates have a chance to unseat the incumbent. They could and should be doing a better job!

Top 4 Reasons the Republican Candidates Need Leadership Coaching Services

• A good leadership coach could give them a few lessons on honesty and owning up to their past. Americans seem to be a very forgiving people and are often willing to forgive a few transgressions. Own up to your sins, ask forgiveness and then tell us how you can help the nation climb out of this recession.
• Be in touch with the electorate. Did multi-millionaire Mitt Romney really make a $10,000 bet with another candidate on national television while millions of Americans are losing their homes, jobs, and retirement accounts? Good coaching would instill better leadership qualities in the candidates before they go on TV and make asses of themselves.
• Memo to the candidates – you are not always right. Good leadership coaching services can teach you that arrogance remain private and is not for public consumption.
• A good coach would counter the gaggle of yes men and women who surround most candidates. A good coach would serve as the “no” man or woman to balance things out.

The services of a good coach are a valuable commodity for leaders in both the private and public sectors. All our candidates for political office could use a healthy dose of leadership coaching. Handlers, PR personnel, and advisors just don’t seem to be doing much good. Mitt, Michelle, Newt, and the rest of the gang – you should all hire professional leadership coaching services, take a few weeks break to work with your coaches, and then get back out on the campaign trail. You’ll be better candidates because of it and, we the people, will be much happier!

Fred Philips
Business Coach
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