Because I believe in asset based approaches, I recently took a strength finders test.
My top 5 were:
– Coach (supports others’ growth; dislikes wasted potential)
– Philomath (loves learning; dislikes know-it-alls)
– Strategist (sees big picture; dislikes slow decision makers)
– Catalyst (generates momentum from stagnation; dislikes wasted time)
– Brainstormer (idea generator; dislikes closed-minded people and practices)
In other words, I can get a lot done in short amount of time, but I really like to see the long term growth.
I was discussing this with my oldest daughter on the way home from a rainy cross country meet in Nashville. Her sisters were almost finished with their fall sports season with incredibly gifted and kind coaches. I told her my personality was definitely built like a coach and she was confused.
“I thought a coach was someone who screams at their team when they don’t do well after a game.”
I told her, who hasn’t had much sports experience, that unfortunately, some coaches do that but that her ideas were largely formed by TV sports tropes; coaches come in many shapes, sizes, and volume levels. I explained that life coaches don’t yell, but help adults stay on track to meet their goals. I said that asset-focused teachers are coaches because they know that they are only partly responsible for the results; the students is the one who must exercise their agency and make choices to propel their own growth.
She responded, “So you mean like an encourager?”
Exactly.
I have had those coaches that demeaned the players and being a sensitive child who had little tolerance for injustice, I was always demotivated and angry at them. I am thankful that organizations have moved toward placing the child’s needs above the competition through modeling community spirit. Seeing this posted on my old sports league’s website gives me hope that the community will hold itself (and all its coaches) to a higher standard and that’s just good for everyone.
I will never embarrass my child or [this organization] by verbally abusing/insulting participants, coaches, board members, other parents or officials.
Also, I understand that the stands are NOT the place to shout personal instruction.
If something occurs with which I disagree, I will calmly seek an appropriate solution, at the appropriate time.
I understand that instigating or participating in a confrontation in front of any child is NEVER appropriate and will not be tolerated.I will never lose sight of the fact that I am a role model. I understand that children imitate their role models and by acting appropriately.
I will be modeling what I expect of my child as well as influencing others in the program.
When I look for people to help with Maple Key, I look for coaches though I don’t want their leadership profile to look just like mine. With the unique skills God has given them, these tutors see what can be when the girls in Maple Key learn over time the habits that are worthy of pursuit while knowing that making mistakes is a part of the cycle of growth.
Maple Key Tutoring 