Seven Signs You’re Not Ready for Coaching

Over the past several years, Tony Morgan has had the privilege of gathering leaders from around the world for leadership coaching groups. These groups are designed to help church leaders take their next steps in their faith, leadership, and ministry. Here, he shares more about coaching.

I’m a fan of books, conferences and workshops, but my best learning has happened in peer-to-peer experiences where I’ve had the opportunity to ask questions and listen, learn, and apply the learning. That’s why I love facilitating coaching networks.

Not everyone is ready for this type of learning experience. Here are seven signs you’re not ready for coaching:

1. You want to lead on your own. If wrestling ideas to the ground, learning best practices from innovative leaders, and discovering how to make concepts become reality with a group of peers makes you cringe, then you may not be ready for a coaching network.
2. You know all the answers. Coaching networks allow proven leaders with fresh eyes to take a look into your life and leadership to offer a fresh and different perspective. Of course, if you already know it all, then this may be a waste of your time.
3. You expect growth to randomly happen. Systematically working through leadership concepts, organizational systems, reading assignments, and leadership exercises that are structured to help you grow is an intentional process. It involves effort so many people would rather sit back and wait on growth to miraculously happen.
4. You love leadership theory. Yes, you will learn some leadership skills, but our coaching is designed for you to put those skills into action. Every month, you will leave with new tools to implement in your ministry environment.
5. You ignore your own spiritual health. If becoming a healthier leader disturbs you, then you may want to stay away from a coaching network. You may actually find yourself challenged to make personal improvements.
6. You are too busy to pause. Sharpening the saw takes some effort. Taking intentional time to develop yourself as a leader may distract you from more important things like Facebook and Twitter.
7. You have no vision for the future. Coaching networks force you to think strategically about the future of your organization. If you are fine with the status quo, then coaching networks may not be a great investment of your time.