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Dr. Robert Logan and Dr. Gary Reinecke conducted an international qualitative research project mentored by Dr. Charles Ridley to determine the competencies of excellent Christian coaches.

The nine competencies can be organized into three categories:

This document provides you with a description of behaviors demonstrated by excellent Christian coaches in each area. 5-7 specific behavioral dimensions called microskills define each competency.  For the research results and resources for increasing your effectiveness in each of these competency areas refer to Developing Coaching Excellence by Robert E. Logan and Gary B. Reinecke (ChurchSmart Resources, 2003)

Abiding in Christ

Abiding in Christ looks at the extent to which a coach seeks the Holy Spirit's guidance at each stage of the coaching process and depends on God in discerning the needs of those being coached.  Excellent coaches demonstrate uncompromising commitment to Christ. They are completely present for all coaching appointments and long to see God's purposes fulfilled in and through people. They have a history of seeing God accomplish significant things, far surpassing expectations, in and through other people. Excellent coaches exhibit a keen awareness of the Holy Spirit throughout the coaching process.

Self-assessing

Self-assessing looks at the extent to which an individual knows him or herself and pursues personal development, self awareness and increased competency. Excellent coaches consistently know when to decline coaching opportunities. They have a history of prioritizing coaching relationships in the light of other responsibilities. Excellent coaches are self-aware and understand their impact on others. They seek feedback from others quite naturally, and include that feedback in a determined search for ways to improve coaching skills.

Communicating

Communicating looks at how well this person facilitates the process of discovering God's agenda and how best to cooperate with God by effective listening, questioning and giving feedback.  Excellent coaches are likely to mean that this individual creates insightful opportunities for people to process. They are extremely attentive to people, read individuals and situations accurately, and carefully summarize at strategic opportunities. Their questions create astounding breakthroughs. They are able to engage difficult people in an effective coaching process. Excellent coaches encourage people to confront the blind spots that affect how they relate to others and provide powerful feedback, advancing the self-discovery process of those being coached.

Establishing

Establishing looks at the extent to which this individual negotiates to obtain a mutual agreement to enter into a coaching relationship and strengthens the relational bond with the leader or team being coached beginning with the initial session. Excellent coaches examine personal motivations prior to entering a coaching relationship and take great care to design a coaching proposal around the goals of those being coached. They know exactly what is involved through the coaching process, and have a history of completing what they start. Excellent coaches are energized through the relational process of building a lasting bond and have proven fruit. They are conscientious and responsive to the needs of the coachee.

Supporting

Supporting means maintaining the health and development of the coaching relationship by including the following basic principles of coaching: encouragement, challenge, accountability, provision for needs, and focus in a clear direction. Excellent coaches show an ability to identify the phase of the coaching process and the skills required. These individuals pinpoint trouble areas in the coaching relationship with tremendous accuracy. They are astute in adjusting their own behavioral style to a coachee's style. They take positive action to bring a coaching relationship back on track and create celebration times that are greatly appreciated. Excellent coaches provide accountability in a timely manner that brings about significant results. They maintain a clear focus while responding to ministry needs.

Concluding

Concluding means re-contracting or bringing closure to the coaching relationship and process. Excellent coaches consistently evaluate coaching effectiveness. They see the coaching relationship as a covenant between two parties when evaluating effectiveness. This individual demonstrates ability to know when, and when not, to renew coaching agreements. People being coached experience personal renewal through the coaching process.  Excellent coaches maintain healthy long-term relationships with people who have been served.

Diagnosing

Diagnosing means to assess problems or situations by pinpointing needs, gathering data, analyzing data and evaluating action plans.  Excellent coaches exhibit an unusually high aptitude to give focused attention to a task. They demonstrate a high degree of familiarity with helpful resources, helping a coachee exhaust all possibilities when diagnosing the situation at hand. Excellent coaches engage people creatively in the assessment process. They ask strategic questions masterfully, resulting in maximum insight and impact. They have a history of using insightful questions that have been clarifying and catalytic for people. Excellent coaches are willing to confront a leader in a way that demonstrates respect but achieves results.

Planning

Planning means to help those you are coaching to set priority goals and design action plans to achieve those goals. Excellent coaches are adept at helping people consider various perspectives and brainstorm all potential solutions thoroughly. They demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in helping people prioritize key issues and themes. They thrive on helping people set faith-stretching goals that achieve desired results and gives careful attention to helping people create pragmatic action plans. Excellent coaches help people uncover blockages and discover resources to resolve the problem. They are extremely effective in helping people attain and surpass their goals.

Monitoring

Monitoring means to evaluate and celebrate progress toward the accomplishment of goals and to make appropriate adjustments. Excellent coaches are likely to be assertive and achieve positive results throughout the coaching process. They have a history of getting the best out of people and celebrating wins and positive achievements in meaningful ways. Excellent coaches help people identify problems hindering their progress. They have a history of helping people exhaust all possible solutions to problems, and are not afraid to help people make midcourse adjustments in action plans to maximize results. They give clear directives to people for future evaluations.