A few years before I ended my career with Servpro, the owners of Servpro Industries had an emphasis on the franchise owners becoming “coaches” in their local businesses. This may seem like a play on words, but actually the idea of being a coach was a paradigm shift in our perceptions. Being a “coach” is not the same as being the “boss”. Being a coach was about helping the team members grow to their potential, and become better at what they did as well take ownership. I began to see those that worked with us as “members of the team”-not just employees, and I began to see them taking their position on the team. With that backdrop, I will get to reason for writing this.
I don’t mean to sound morbid, but in reality we only have a few years- God willing - left on planet earth and I believe that each of you, including myself, want to finish well. Someone said that when an old person dies, it is like a library burning down.
We need to be coaching those behind us. We need to coach our family, but our coaching needs to go beyond our family as there are untold numbers of kids, young adults and middle aged people out there that have no coach. Coaching may take on many forms, but it stars with a heart to see others growing and finding their place.
Although a baseball coach has to be an “expert” in baseball, we do not have to be an “expert” in life to be a coach. A key part of being a good coach is taking time to ask a few questions because we are interested and them listening, and if need be, sharing a word that will help or encourage. Even when we have only one contact with someone, such as a store clerk we come in contact with on a trip, we may have the opportunity to be a coach. If we have in our heart to help others along, then coaching is only natural. The key is that we put coaching into action as the Lord leads.
Here are some ideas where coaching can happen:
1. Coaching can take place over a cup of coffee2. an outing together (fishing, shopping, walking, etc.)
3. sharing a meal
4. sending an email or text
5. writing a card
6. helping with a project-or whatever-you get the idea.
Are you a "lone ranger?"
Being a “lone ranger”
coach is not what God has in mind as God does things in the context of His
church. God said that He would build His church. Part of church life is that of
encouraging and training the coaches. (I noticed that when church was over this
last Sunday, a lot of sharing and coaching was taking place after the service-a
great thing to see.) You could say that the coaches are also on a team-a team
of coaches.
God has given each of us unique, individual ways of coaching. To
repeat myself-the key point is that we implement our call to coach. We actually
are coaching whether we realize it or not. If we are living life as unto
ourselves, then we are “coaching” the younger believers to do the same. As I
began to assume the role of a coach in my business, I began to see myself and
others differently and we became a better business. As I mentioned above, there
is a huge shortage of coaches. I know for certain that any coaching action we
initiate will be well received and we will be blessed in the process. There can
be no greater or higher call for the remainder of our life than that of
blessing, helping, and coaching those behind us. I know that you and I want the
last years we have to be used to further the purposes of God, but it will only
happen if we make the choice and take an active role in coaching as God gives
opportunity. While writing this, I kept thinking of two stories that
relate to coaching. I will only give the gist of the stories.
The first story comes from the keynote speaker at a Servpro
convention. This speaker had been to a meeting in Chicago during the same time
that there was a Harley Davison gathering taking place. (These were not
“want-a-be” Harley guys-but the real deal with all the chains and leather). He
was walking down the side walk dressed in his suit, and he passed a Harley
guy-a rough looking guy-who had just parked his Harley. The business man
reluctantly stopped and said to the Harley guy: “nice bike.” That simple
statement broke the barriers and good conversation resulted. The business man
went to the other man’s turf. I think this man went on to write a book titled
“Nice Bike.” There is a lot to learn from this true story.
The next story comes from a recent experience in my own life.
While redoing an old house, I hired two guys to help me for a couple of days. I
will just say that I had to get past their dress, body jewelry, tattoos, etc.
to hire them for a small project. I’m glad I did. They did quality work and
were dependable. I sensed that the Lord told me to take them to breakfast and
after a little hesitation, I invited them. We met for breakfast and it was a
great experience and it opened the door for more dialogue. I’m not sure if
anyone had ever bought them breakfast with no strings attached. The point
being; it’s good to get out of our comfort zone. It also confirmed that there
are multitudes out there that will welcome some coaching. They don’t need or
want us trying to “fix” them according to our preferences. Take those we would
coach and point them to the God that can “fix” them (and us). God is love and
we can be conduits of His love.
I would love to hear any feedback you may have and welcome
any constructive criticism. I’m sure that there is much more that needs to be
said on this subject.
Buddy Fitzgerald
Guest Blogger, Buddy Fitzgerald, is one of LifeGate Church's founders. He has served in many coaching capacities, such as elder of LifeGate, franchise owner of Servpro Industries, and dad to four kids. His bride, Carol, and he have been married for 45 years. They have been blessed with seven grandchildren so far. When he is not playing golf or putting his woodworking skills to work on reclaimed old wood, Buddy can be found investing in the next generation over a cup of coffee or his favorite breakfast spot. His blog is also a valuable way that he imparts truth. Check it out here: http://thenewu.org/
Guest Blogger, Buddy Fitzgerald, is one of LifeGate Church's founders. He has served in many coaching capacities, such as elder of LifeGate, franchise owner of Servpro Industries, and dad to four kids. His bride, Carol, and he have been married for 45 years. They have been blessed with seven grandchildren so far. When he is not playing golf or putting his woodworking skills to work on reclaimed old wood, Buddy can be found investing in the next generation over a cup of coffee or his favorite breakfast spot. His blog is also a valuable way that he imparts truth. Check it out here: http://thenewu.org/
