Monday, May 22, 2017

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.

Ladder of Inference 


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.

We're all somewhere

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?