Typically, when we think of coaches, we think of childhood sports. A coach is someone who helps our children develop their skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline in order to win whatever game they happen to be playing.
But, guess what? Coaches aren't just for children. As we grow up and enter the professional world, we still need to develop all of things things--and we still need coaches to help us do it. If you ask any of the top performers in their fields how they become so great at what they do, they will typically point to their coaches, mentors, and instructors. They master their work, because they have the humility to get the help they need.
So, what exactly is it that coaches provide that we couldn't do all by ourselves? Well, there are probably a lot of things. But, if there is one thing that only a coach could offer, it's accountability. Sometimes, you need someone screaming at you to hustle if you're going to get the job done. You need someone to help you see your flaws and steer you toward improvement. You need someone who cares enough about your success to be willing to step on your toes. That person is a coach.
Do you have a coach? Do you have a mentor? Do you have someone to whom you are accountable? If not, you might want to start looking for one. We never grow out of the need for direction, guidance, and motivation. Those who succeed in leadership will be those who seek out great coaches who will push them in that direction.You are only a successful as your accountability to that success permits you to be.
David Lykken is 40-year mortgage industry veteran who has been an owner operator in three mortgage banking companies and a software company. As a former business owner/operator, today David loves helping C-Level executives and business owners achieve extraordinary results via consulting, coaching and communications, with the objective of eliminating corporate dysfunction, establishing and communicating a clear corporate strategy while focusing on process improvement and operational efficiencies resulting in increased profitability. David has been a regular contributor on CNBC and Fox Business News and currently hosts a successful weekly radio program, “Lykken on Lending,” that is heard each Monday at noon (Central Standard Time) by thousands of mortgage professionals. He produces a daily one-minute video called “Today’s Mortgage Minute” that appears on hundreds of television, radio and newspaper Web sites across America. He may be reached by phone at (512) 501-2810 or by e-mail at [email protected].
