Coaching is the art of setting a shared goal, assessing the realities of achieving it and then charting a course to reach it!
Using a sports analogy—a team that is winless in 2025 may aspire to win the Stanley Cup in 2026. An affective coach needs to explore the realities that they face in moving the team from never winning, to winning everything. What resources do they have? What and who do they need to get there? Along the way, a coach may revise the goal to “make the playoffs” or “win a game”.
Coaches can help people hone and identify their goals and then offer guidance on how to bring reality into alignment with these goals, creating a logical plan to get there.
Goal setting should start with something lofty! Aspirational goals are empowering. A coach will help to fine tune your goals into something achievable, and within the available resource mix.
Once realistic goals are set, the coach needs to slow things down–to go fast later!
Exploring options and sorting through the best available path, time horizon and resources is a critical next step. A coach’s knowledge will help to expand the options available, and then walk with you through implementation.
Having a coach is good for any one, including those new to a role and in need of support through the basics, as well as mature leaders who need impartial guidance through complex organizational change.
Here are some areas where a coach can support an employee’s goal achievement and organizational success:
A coaching success story
“Alex” had all the attributes of a strong donor development manager. While Alex had clarity of purpose, genuine curiosity about people, a passion for the cause and a strong goal orientation, aside from organizing a few fundraising dinners, Alex had never done advancement work before. Alex was unfamiliar with the basic rhythms of the fundraising year, the jargon, how databases support us, or what CRA asks of us. Alex had the right mindset, needing only knowledge and a workplan to get moving!
Coaching helped Alex to quickly acquire the tools and resources seasoned fundraisers use to execute on annual plans and to have the confidence to invite financial support. This new staff member hit the ground running for the charity; much more quickly than had they been “thrown in the deep end”.
Within four months, Alex had a meaningful conversation with a donor, later securing a five-figure donation!
A good coach is a sounding board, a knowledgeable guide and a cheerleader. They are there to get things started and to support along the way…when the real work is happening.
Sandra Baker, CFRE, works in both advancement and admissions at Hamilton District Christian High. Sandra also has a philanthropic consultancy and coaching practice. Reach out for a chat.
