Never assume that Coaches are “above it all.” The question that begs answering is – Are they also being coached and subjecting themselves to leadership and accountability?
– J.G.
This morning, as I was about to write this week’s essay, a serendipitous event occurred. It entirely changed the subject matter that I had intended to share. I received an email from someone close to me, which was very disturbing. The Pastor of a Church (with whom I am very familiar), had engaged in an affair, thus betraying his wife of many years. He was (past tense) an iconic figure, and now sadly, he will conclude his career in humiliation and dishonor. People are not going to remember the wisdom that he conveyed through his sermons, the sensible and uplifting council that he offered the members of his congregation or the tremendous amount of good that he did in his community and in the world. During his long tenure as a Pastor, he made a significant difference in the lives of many people.
What people will remember, is how he finished his journey. And many, if not most, will conclude that he was a hypocrite – a person who was not walking his talk. Tragically, many people will now experience doubts about their faith, become suspicious all of Pastors and Clergy, and ignore the fact that he had once occupied a noble place in the world.
The truth of the matter is that we are all susceptible to stepping over the line – of engaging in behavior that lacks a moral compass. Many of us have concluded that Coaches are “above it all.” That somehow, we are exempt from the same temptations and challenges we all face. Nothing could be further from the truth! Coaches are especially in need of a person in their lives who provides them both perspective and accountability. I often share with others that the most important question they should ask a prospective Coach is, “who is your Coach?” If you are wondering whether I have a Coach, the answer is a resounding “NO!” I have more than one person in my life offering me leadership, mentoring, accountability, and perspective. I am acutely aware of the fact that I, most certainly, am not “above it all.”
I find myself wondering if this man could have avoided his demise had he been willing to subject himself to the guidance and accountability of a great Coach and Mentor.
If you are in a leadership position, who coaches you?
© John G. 2021
