This Little Tweak Will 10X the Impact of Your Coaching Structure

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I write a lot about building an effective coaching structure. Maybe I should say, I write a LOT about building an effective coaching structure.

Building an effective coaching structure is a frequent topic here for two reasons:

Coaching plays a very significant role in launching and sustaining new groups. This should not be overlooked or dismissed. Think about the energy you expend in getting a new group going. Now think about the wasted energy you expend starting groups that don't survive. An effective coaching structure can help the new groups you launch sustain long enough to build the connective tissue that will keep them going.
An effective coaching structure is not easy to build! In fact, it is one of the most challenging steps in building a thriving small group ministry. I field more questions about small group coaching than any other topic. It can be done. I've taught many to do it. You can do it. But it takes doing the right things at the right time and in the right way.

This Little Tweak Will 10X the Impact of Your Coaching Structure

You know how little things can make a big difference? Like discovering the brightness key on your laptop? Or how to set up favorites in your contacts? Or training your admin to schedule your appointments? Or training your dog to use the doggie door?

Little things can often make a big difference.

A little thing that can make a big difference in the impact of your coaching structure?

How about when and how you introduce a coach to a new leader?

I don't know when you introduce a coach to a new leader or how you introduce a coach to a new leader...but if you're struggling to build an effective coaching structure, you might want to consider this little tweak.

When to introduce a coach to a new leader

The best time to introduce a coach to a new leader is at the very beginning. The longer a new leader has been a leader, the harder it gets for the coach to successfully build a relationship.

The best time to introduce a coach to a new leader is at the very beginning. The longer a new leader has been a leader, the harder it gets for the coach to successfully build a relationship. Click To Tweet

For example, when a new leader is identified in one of our small group connections, that new leader is introduced to their coach in the short stand-up leaders' meeting immediately following the connection.

Why is that important? Easy. The new leader will never again be as thankful for access to a coach as they are in that moment.

How quickly are you introducing your new leaders to a coach? The longer you wait the harder it gets.

How to introduce a coach to a new leader

The best way to introduce a coach to a new leader is by clearly establishing that their coach is a huge asset and a great person to know.

For example, during our small group connections we use our coaches to help in several key ways during the connection. We point them out as the process begins. They're wearing a distinctive t-shirt. We brag on them a little bit. Our coaches help each group that is forming identify a leader.

As soon as leaders are identified, we remind them that they will be connected with a coach; someone who has been leading groups for a long time and really knows the ins and outs of having a great small group.

Immediately following the small group connection we hold a very short (5 minutes) stand-up leaders' meeting. As the meeting is wrapping up we hand the leaders over to their coaches with this transition statement: "As we mentioned in the connection, we're pairing each of you up with a coach who will be helping you and your group get off to a great start. Our coaches are very experienced small group leaders who really know how to get groups off to a great start. They'll want to have a weekly conversation about how it's going."

The best way to introduce a coach to a new leader is by clearly establishing that their coach is a huge asset and a great person to know. Click To Tweet

**How does your when and how stack up?**

How does your when and how stack up to the way we do it? If you're waiting too long to introduce coaches to your new leaders, if you're not making a big enough deal about the value of a coach...this little tweak will make a big difference.

If you need help building an effective coaching structure, this tip is an example of the strategies, tactics and practices you learn in Building an Effective Coaching Structure (one of my most popular video courses).

Posted in Coaching