A COACH ...

... is an on-site professional developer who collaborates with educators to identify and assist with implementation of proven teaching methods.


… displays a compelling modesty, is self- effacing, understated

… displays a workman like diligence, is more plow horse than show horse

… attributes successes to factors other than herself

… looks in the mirror and blames herself when things go poorly

... knows that coaching involves learning conversations which should be mutually humanizing experiences.

... knows that talking about learning should be energizing, empowering, enjoyable, and fun, should bring
both parties alive


The Identity Conversation looks inward: it’s all about who we are and how we see ourselves. How does what happened affect our self-esteem, my image, my sense of who I am in the world? What impact will it have on my future? What self doubts do I harbor? In short… the identity conversation is about what I am saying to myself about me.
- Stone, Patton, Heen. (1999) Difficult Conversations


Develop a Teachable Point of View - A TPOV is a “cohesive set of ideas and concepts that a person is able to articulate clearly to others” (Tichy, 2002, p.74).


When you lead people, you often begin with a desire to contribute to an organization or community, to help people resolve important issues, to improve the quality of their lives. Your heart is not entirely innocent, but you begin with hope and concern for people. Along the way, however, it becomes difficult to sustain those feelings when many people reject your aspirations as too unrealistic, challenging or disruptive. Results arrive slowly. You become hardened to the discouraging reality. Your heart closes up.
- Heifetz & Linsky (2003) Leadership on the line.