THELEADER ASCOACH 237
Likewise, the business coach determines the overall strategy; aligns the
resources (in this case, both people and finances); assists with key deci-
sions; and works with individuals to develop their personal skills, attitude
and approach.
One additional challenge for business coaches, however, is that their role
is not as clearly defined. Trailing by one point in the NBA finals with two
seconds left on the clock, Pistons coach Larry Brown will likely design the
in-bounds play and decide who takes the final shot. But he will nevercome
of f the bench and take the final shot himself.
In other words, a business leader is more of a player-coach. Business
coaches must provide the strategy, align the resources, and provide individ-
ual development. But business coaches have the option to jump into the
game. In business, the leader-coach canchoose to take the final shot.
Most business leaders are promoted through the ranks. They are first rec-
ognized as effective doers. They are promoted to be managers and closely di-
rect the work of others. Then, some evolve into a leadership position in
which they must direct and inf luence business outcomes without being as in-
timately involved. Unfortunately, many leaders have a hard time evolving
their role along with their responsibilities.
In business, a leader-coach faces a daily decision process to balance:
•Results versus Development
•Motivation versus Critical Assessment
•Being an Evaluator versus a Being a Developer
•Risks versus Learning Opportunities
- Delegation versus Direction versus Doing
These decisions have significant consequences. For example, a business
coach who jumps in to take control of a given situation might have a positive
impact on short-term results—while negatively impacting team development
and long-term success.
Returning to the Pine Wood Derby metaphor, if Dave had dictated that
his son build an Indy-style racecar, and taken a more hands-on approach to
its construction, they certainly would have built a faster, more competitive
car. But Dave’s son would have lost out on some of the personal accomplish-
ment from completing the assignment himself.
Dave’s son would have lost out by not learning how to use woodworking
tools. And he might have missed the design award won by his unique
van. The long-term success of the team (Dave and his son) would definitely
have suffered if Dave had focused on short-term objectives and built the
car himself.