On a recent set of long drives, I listened to season two of the Michael Lewis podcast Against the Rules, whose 10 episodes are a series of discussions about the role of coaching. A role that has expanded greatly over the last decade, with executives, athletes, and students all seeking out (and paying) for coaching of various types.
I will read anything that Micheal Lewis writes. I found a copy of Liars Poker on a bookshelf 30+ years ago, and have bought every book since. While famous for books that turned into movies like The Blind Side, Moneyball, and The Big Short – my favorite book of his by far remains the tiny, powerful Coach published in 2005.
Have you ever had a COACH? I mean an “all caps” COACH that you follow, that you listen to, who makes you better?`
I have been lucky enough to have a couple – and I will write about both of them in other, longer posts. My own path towards being a leader and a coach stem from my experiences with these earlier mentors.
If your answer to that question is not an immediate and forceful YES – then you have not. That doesn’t preclude success – I know Olympic medalists and senior executives who have had coaches but not a COACH. Similarly, having an all caps COACH can not make you successful.
This is something we will discuss a LOT moving forward… but by all means, give season 2 of Against the Rules a listen – Lewis is a master storyteller.