COACHING SKILLS The Role of the Coach

What is our goal?

A-ha moment… The camera flashed to his coach, and the obvious struck me as interesting… Professional athletes use coaches to make sure they are as good as they can be. But doctors [and others] don’t…why did I find it inconceivable to [have] someone to come into my operating room and coach me on my surgical technique? Personal Best: Top athletes and singers have coaches. Should you? by Atul Gawande The New Yorker, October 3, 2011Atul Gawande

The Big Picture... Confident, Energized League Leaders Engaged and Growing League Membership Healthier Civic Communities Stronger Democracy

Coaches are key...

What makes a good coach?

Two Links Coaches Help Make Bonding—the links that tie a group together Bridging—the links that connect a group to others outside of its organization or network

Bonding Build a strong organizational core Mission-driven motivation Can-do culture Data-driven decision making (i.e., what works) Purposeful innovation/change People-focused

Bridging Build a strong external network Compelling communications Active outreach Meaningful involvement

What makes a good coach?

According to the experts… Good coaches speak with credibility, make a personal connection, and focus little on themselves. They listen more than they talk. They are one hundred percent present in the conversation. Jim Knight, director of the Kansas Coaching Project, University of Kansas

A good coach... Enthusiasm Enjoys people Strong listening skills Ability to develop a comfortable relationship so that League leaders can share frustrations and awkward situations that may arise Strong verbal communication skills Creativity and ability to identify opportunities and provide suggestions Patient Observant Respectful and supportive Clear Empathetic Follows through Sense of humor Uses positive reinforcement wherever possible

A good coach... Avoids being judgmental and open to considering new ideas All Leagues are different Different personalities handle challenges differently (we’ll talk more about this) Multiple good solutions to every problem Guide, don’t dictate

A good coach... Needs good listening skills Especially because so much of your work will be remote

A good coach... Focuses on membership and leadership development Helps local Leagues improve/expand what they are already doing

Who are you coaching? LWVUSStateLocal State Board State Coordinator State Coaches Partnership among Leagues LWVUS Board Shur Fellows LWVUS Staff League Board Coordinator Committee

What is a state coordinator? Supporting and Coordinating the Coaching Team Facilitating Communication Modeling at the state level

Your #1 Goal as a State Coach BUILD a RELATIONSHIP with the individuals you coach!

What we don’t expect from a coach

It’s a process!

Lifecycle of any team/group: PHASETEAMOUTPUT FORMINGUncertain but optimistic Low STORMINGConflict surfacesLow NORMINGSense of team emerges Moderate PERFORMINGFully functionalVery high

Who are you coaching? LWVUS State Local A team from the local League is ideal. League Board Coordinator Committee

What it looks like every month...

And then...

So what do I do again?

You actually have 4 Roles... Mentor Cheerleader Accountability Coach Communicator

Mentor

1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher. 2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.

Mentor Provide guidance and training Inquire about progress and challenges Share ideas from your experience/knowledge Debrief on recent events/activities What worked? What didn’t work? What did you learn? Lead them to make decisions Support!

DISCLAIMER! One of the keys to building trust is confidentiality. It’s a secret…. Shhhh!

Cheerleader

Help local Leagues see and applaud their successes All about stopping and smelling the roses Remember success breeds success Positivity rubs off Will be invigorating for all participating

Accountability Coach

Keeping your mentees on track With current plans To continue developing new plans Pointing out successes and how to work on setbacks NOT A PUNITIVE ROLE Don’t let your states slip back in to old habits

Keeping on Track Reporting consistently can help you and your national coach keep track of what is happening. Every month, you will: Complete an online survey report about each local League you coach Usually takes about 8-10 minutes per survey Communicates to your national coach Saves time on calls with national coach Gives you time to reflect

You’ll get an each month

What you’ll see...

Membership Numbers Provided to state coaching teams 2 times per year Can gauge progress Check up on how well your local Leagues are inputting members into the LWVUS database Gives you time to debrief and recognize strengths and weaknesses

Success is More than Numbers! Increased visibility Collaboration with media and community organizations Connecting levels of League Renewed enthusiasm and pride – a “can do” attitude Strategic planning

Communicator

You’re an ambassador between the levels of the League Sharing information from state and national – and reporting back on the needs and successes of the local Leagues.