Leadership Coaching -- In The Puddle

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Skilled coaches have clarity regarding the boundaries of their accountability: they are acutely aware of that line that separates their responsibilities from those of the Talent and they are ever vigilant not to cross that line.

When the Talent is wrestling with a very difficult issue, it is extremely tempting to dive in and help her solve her problem. The great Leader Coach knows that it is the Talent’s responsibility to solve these problems. But this can be oh-so-difficult when you are oh-so-sure that you have the solution and you oh-so-badly want to be helpful. I have seen many clients struggle with a problem so intensely and vociferously that they cannot find their way out. I call this being “in the puddle.” It is analogous to sitting in the middle of a puddle, splashing and shouting that you are drowning in an ocean. It is very enticing for the coach to reach down and pull the person out of the puddle. The great Leader Coach resists this urge and challenges the Talent to stop splashing, take an honest look at his situation, stand up, and walk out of the puddle. By leaving the Talent “in the puddle” until he is ready to act, the Leader Coach demonstrates a commitment to personal accountability.

For more on how to hold others personally accountable, download our coaching e-book here.