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After God created the world, he surveyed his work and saw that it
was good. He took the time to sit back, observe, and consider -- he wasn't
immediately off to the next project. As people created in his image, we
are designed to be the same way. Learn more on how your coaching can
reflect God's design.
Our tasks may not be as big as his, but it's
good and natural for us to evaluate our accomplishments and celebrate the
work we've done before moving on to what's ahead.
The final stage of the coaching process is
reviewing stage. At this point, we look back over our progress and ask,
"What has been accomplished?" and "How far have we come?" Although we're
often tempted to skip over this phase and move on to the next project, the
growth potential of the review stage is considerable. It provides the
accountability and encouragement to stay on track. It's about celebrating
the past and looking toward the future. Reviewing successes builds the
strength and courage to take another step of faith. Never underestimate
the power of taking the time to look back over past accomplishments and
celebrate them. That process brings about the maturity that comes with
honest self-evaluation, gives us much-needed encouragement for the road
ahead, and provides a sense of satisfaction over a job well done.
After leading his people through the
wilderness for 40 years, Moses climbed Mount Nebo to look out over the
Promised Land. God showed him the whole land as far as the western sea.
That was his gift to Moses -- he allowed Moses to see the end product of
all his labors, and to know that the Lord's promises were not in vain.
Reviewing can often change our perspective
entirely. Jeff was working with Sherilyn to create balance between his
spiritual life, family, and ministry. As a pastor, he felt burdened by
constant demands on his time and his spiritual and family life were
suffering. The question he was asking himself was, "What takes priority
and how do I live accordingly?" He created separate goals for each of
these three areas of his life and was trying to keep them in balance.
When he and Sherilyn got together for their monthly meeting, she asked,
"What successes have you had?" Jeff shook his head, "This past month
hasn't been good at all. I'm really falling behind on my ministry goals
and action steps." He went on to describe sick kids, missed meetings, and
family issues that were taking up his time. As he finished recounting the
events of his month, he suddenly stopped. "Actually... I just realized
this was a great month. This month I lived according to my values and
priorities. I made choices that put my family ahead of my work, which is
what I've been trying to do all along. When I look at the big picture,
this was a really successful month."
Although Jeff started his coaching meeting
feeling discouraged, he ended it with confidence and enthusiasm. Realizing
that he was getting closer to living according to his values renewed his
commitment to move ahead. He and his coach recognized that as a big
victory to celebrate.
So what does celebration look like? There
are as many ways as there are people. Usually verbal affirmation or
acknowledgement from a coach goes a long way. Sometimes more tangible
rewards are in order.
Sherilyn describes her experience with
celebration: "At times I've sent an e-card or a note in mail saying, 'I
know this has been hard for you -- way to go! You've been wanting to do
this for a long time.' I've also encouraged some people to give themselves
a reward. They decide ahead of time what their reward will be. Some people
have chosen a day at an amusement park; some have chosen to take time off
to sit and read a book; others have gone to get a facial or manicure. Most
of the time after a big milestone has been reached, I suggest postponing
our next appointment. I tell people, 'You've worked hard. It's time for a
break. Take the time you would have spent meeting with me and go do
something fun -- take a bubble bath, go on a hike, go to a bookstore." The
key is to actively look for what's working and find ways to celebrate it.
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The above
excerpt was taken from Coaching 101 by Robert E. Logan and
Sherilyn Carlton. Coaching 101 takes readers step by step
through the coaching process in a way that makes it readily
applicable to real life ministry situations. Coaching 101 is
available in English from
ChurchSmart Resources and in German from CoachNet DACH. Spanish
version coming soon!
Copyright 2003: Robert E. Logan and Sherilyn Carlton, ChurchSmart
Publishers, used by permission. |
Robert E. Logan is the executive director of CoachNet International
Ministries and provides training, consulting, coaching and resources to
over 40 denominations.
Sherilyn Carlton is an experienced life and leadership coach
("Destination Coaching"). Both authors are based in the USA. |
