We All Need A Coach
Find Your Sensei And Be A Sensei
Some may disagree with the idea that we all need a coach in our lives. Why would the best in the world need a coach? If they’re the best, others should be copying them.
If I’m the best tennis player in the world, why should I need a coach? After all, I’d be able to smash that ‘coach’ in a game of tennis. What good could they provide me?
Logically that would make sense. However even if you are the best, a course correction could be needed. Even the greatest could be limiting themselves or those around them.
The idea of taking on a coach also requires something humans are intuitively bad at — humility. Just by taking advice from another requires you to defer to their judgement. As one becomes more powerful, that deferment becomes harder and harder.
Even the simple skill of listening can be extremely difficult. This could be particularly true for one that has achieved high status. In his book “Never Split The Difference”, former FBI agent Chris Voss, explains that when the FBI negotiates with a hostage taker on the phone, a team of 5 agents listens in to the call. This is how difficult they consider listening to be.
Now superimpose that idea on a superstar CEO who has a plan in their head and is being questioned. Maybe the…
