Coaching strategy is more like sailing strategy than an originally thought.  Sailing is all about dealing with circumstances, and in coaching we’re supposed to rise about our circumstances.  In sailing you have to deal with the wind, waves, and weather; all of which are completely out of your control.  So how do you navigate?

Decide Where You Want to Go Before You Set Sail

It’s amazing how few people really know where they’re going.  In fact nine times out of ten people aren’t clear about what their top goal is; at least not really clear.  And if you aren’t clear about your outcome, you’ll be like the proverbial ship that never makes it to port.  You need to know what results you want before you start developing a coaching strategy and set sail.

A Coaching Strategy or a Sailing Strategy Is Your Key to Success:

What do you do if the wind is blowing against you?  If your goal is to go north, but the wind is blowing south, you’ll definitely go south if you don’t have a goal.  But if you have the skills you can still get to your destination even with the wind going against you.  You can’t go straight into the wind, but you can use the forces that seem to be pushing against you in your favor.  In sailing this strategy is called tacking.

In coaching if you are clear about your goals, you will find coaching strategies.  You can decide not to let your circumstances affect you.  You will be influencing your outcomes and deciding what you can do.  It all starts with your goal, your vision, and your purpose.  Don’t give up the first time the wind blows in your face.  And remember, it’s best to surround yourself with others who have experience on the boat.

Colette Seymann

JTS Advisors Bi-Designated Strategy and Accountability Coach