# 5 - John Larson on Coaching for Learning and Performance
Nov 10, 2023
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In this conversation, John Larson, founder and CEO of CoachAccountable, shares his journey in the coaching world while blending technology with personal development. He discusses the crucial role of goals and metrics in coaching, the difference between coaching and mentoring, and the challenges of accountability. Larson also addresses the integration of AI in coaching, emphasizing the need for human connection. Personal anecdotes reflect on the power of structured support and intrinsic motivation in achieving transformative results.
Coaching emphasizes collaboration, where the client actively participates in setting their goals and defining their personal path to success.
An effective coach creates a trusting environment that encourages vulnerability and accountability, fostering personal and professional growth among clients.
The coaching industry is evolving, necessitating differentiation through results-driven practices to maintain quality amidst the rise of diverse coaching services.
Deep dives
The Connection Between Learning and Performance
Learning and performance are fundamentally linked, as the ability to learn enhances one’s potential to perform effectively in various domains. If individuals do not learn, they risk stagnation and repeated mistakes, ultimately hindering their growth. This connection highlights the importance of improving learning methodologies to facilitate better performance outcomes. In today's fast-paced world, rapid learning is becoming increasingly essential for success in fields like education, research, athletics, and business.
The Role of Coaching
Coaching is characterized by a relationship in which one person empowers another to reach their goals and improve performance. The distinction of coaching lies in its emphasis on collaboration, where the coached individual actively participates in setting their objectives and defining their path. An effective coach challenges their clients to follow through on their commitments, making them face the things they may avoid. This dynamic fosters accountability and can significantly contribute to personal and professional growth.
Insights on Effective Coaching
An effective coach creates a safe space that encourages vulnerability and authenticity, allowing individuals to share their challenges openly. This relationship is built on trust, where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Additionally, having a good body of knowledge and the ability to relate to clients are crucial for fostering this environment. Coaches must also possess the courage to hold their clients accountable for their actions, promoting personal responsibility and commitment to their goals.
The Importance of Accountability
Accountability in coaching should not be associated with blame but rather seen as a supportive measure that enables clients to reach their goals. It emphasizes future-focused actions rather than dwelling on past failures, encouraging individuals to reflect on their commitments to plans they set. This supportive accountability increases motivation and commitment, especially when clients recognize that their progress is observed by someone they respect. Effective coaching involves creating an environment where accountability is celebrated rather than dreaded.
Transformative Learning through Insight
Coaching not only focuses on skill development, but also facilitates deeper self-awareness, crucial for personal transformation. Insights gained during coaching sessions generate new perspectives that can empower individuals to challenge their limiting beliefs and behaviors. However, without actionable steps and follow-through, these insights become merely theoretical. Thus, coaches help their clients turn reflections into concrete actions, emphasizing the importance of applying learning to achieve desired results.
The Evolution of Coaching
The coaching industry is rapidly evolving, with increasing numbers of people offering coaching services across various domains. While this growth can dilute the quality of coaching, it also presents an opportunity for professional coaches to differentiate themselves through results-driven practices. There is a concern about the rise of AI tools, which may jeopardize the human aspect of coaching, but maintaining authentic relationships and support systems will be vital. The future of coaching lies in its acceptance as a valuable process, reinforced by measurable outcomes that showcase its effectiveness.
In this episode of the L&P Podcast, I speak with John Larson, the founder and CEO of CoachAccountable, a digital coaching platform designed to make coaches better and help clients get more out of coaching. Half coach, half coder, John has dedicated his life to improving the experience of coaching for coaches and their clients. He lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife and kids.
In our conversation, we discuss:
What is coaching
What coaches do (and don't do)
The role of coaching in facilitating learning and performance
John's journey into coaching and building CoachAccountable
The shortcomings of many coaching conversations
The importance of goals, metrics, action plans, and session notes
What makes for an effective coach
And much more...
Mentioned in the Conversation:
MacLelland (1995) - Coaching (Learn with) vs. Mentoring (Learn from)
