Every day is a new day

I've been thinking a lot this year about coaching.  I want to learn about coaching, how to coach, be called a coach.  So, it makes sense that I've started reading about coaching.  I've finally made the time to start The Art of Coaching by Elena Aguilar.  First of all...wow.  Like, I hope to be a tenth as reflective and insightful as she is.  Secondly, I love how she approaches coaching from the belief that "We can transform our education system."  Because I agree.  I firmly believe that we can change school to be meaningful for children, not to mention prepare them for life.

Aguilar states that our beliefs drive our actions.  She shared a tool she uses to help people get to the root of their actions and beliefs.

 

The Ladder of Inference-Elena Aguilar

So it has led me to question my beliefs.  I have spent this whole year talking about coaching and taking action towards becoming a coach.  Why?  What beliefs do I hold?  What assumptions and conclusions have I made?

I believe that coaches are taken more seriously.  That what they have to "sell" is required to purchase.  I have heard the coaches at my schools talk about their position and what they do.  But I'm realizing I have not taken the time to watch a coach in action or talk to the people being coached.  There is a lot of "data" out there that I have not seen.  I have assumed a lot about their role.  I've assumed that magical changes are happening just because of the formalized relationship between coach and teacher.  I think deep down, I want to rely on the title to help me do my job.

Well.  That's not good.

Fortunately, the infinitely wise Ms. Aguilar has something else to say.



Each day is a new day to be a little better.  Learning coaching skills might be the right thing for me to do (and I really do think it is, despite some misguided assumptions), but I can work on addressing those beliefs about WHY I want to learn how to be a coach.   Changing my title won't magically get my job done.  I still need to put in the work and time.

So think about your actions.  What beliefs are driving them?  Where are you and where do you want to go?