Tom Brady had a quarterback coach. Read that again. How does that strike you? I initially found it comical and futile, like having lifeguards at Olympic swimming events. Why would such a decorated athlete need someone looking over his shoulder, giving feedback on his every move? After all, he reached some pretty high peaks and seems to have done just fine. But, for those who passionately pursue growth, “just fine” is never fine enough. Growth requires coaching.
Coaching is not just a key factor for success, it’s the critical factor. Charleston County School District understands this well and partnered with ALP to engage in our Coaching Academy. This professional learning service aims to build the leadership capacity of adult learners through the application of coaching knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Since the pandemic, we have adjusted this service to be able to provide it in the format most needed by each district: virtual, in-person or a hybrid of the two. Every school district has their own challenges and constraints, it would be easy for a district to delay engaging in this type of opportunity. We often find, however, that is not the case. Districts who choose to partner with us are ready to move ahead. And, it is that eagerness from Charleston County School District that was the catalyst for a partnership I’ll never forget.
During this time, I learned with some of the most enthusiastic coaches I’ll ever meet. They approached the Coaching Academy with curiosity, a solution-seeking mindset, and a bias toward action. As partners, we engaged in cycles of support that empowered us to identify needs, set growth goals, learn together, develop plans, take action, and reflect on progress. Perhaps most importantly, during a time of distance and isolation, we had a chance to meaningfully connect with each other. We all needed that.
Through it all, the coaches from Charleston County School District trusted the process and wholeheartedly embraced the idea that coaches need coaches. And, that was also a strong reminder for why we at ALP have such a strong internal culture of coaching each other to grow in our own practice. Because, coaches who partner with coaches also need coaching too!
Whether it’s Tom Brady or a talented group of accomplished educators, we all need (and deserve) a coach. Perhaps one of the best expressions of this point comes from Atul Gawande and his 2017 TED Talk, “Want to Get Great at Something? Get a Coach.” It’s a must watch and rewatch.
