Top image: Marguerite and her hero, Coach Glen Mills
I glimpsed the top of his head 3 rows below me. Balding, the remaining shards of his hair gray, he sat alone, seats vacant on either side, his shoulders rounded. Through the phalanx of black, green and gold clad spectators and flags, I saw his stillness, his solitude. The fans were about their business; his was complete. I wondered how many people in that stadium had passed this unassuming man – paunchy, a bit dishevelled, a missing tooth – thinking, if at all even noticing him, that he was some retired plumber, electrician or tradesman. Usain Bolt was retiring from what everyone acknowledges as a sterling, nay legendary career as the GOAT – the Greatest Of All Time. The gentleman seated 3 rows below me in the London Olympic Stadium was his coach, Glen Mills, another GOAT – the Greatest (sprint coach) Of All Time.
As a coach, not of athletes, but of leaders, I am inspired by this man. I have studied him from afar, through interviews, articles, videos on Bolt – always noticing the man behind Bolt, what he says and does (and I had the joy of a brief introduction at the stadium). In that moment of noticing him in the stadium, I got this from him about coaching:
IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU.
You rarely see photos or videos of Coach Mills at competitions. How easy it would be for him to share the spotlight, to prance with Bolt, to be a part of the show. But in those moments of winning, Coach Mills knows that it is not about him – it is the moment for his protege to shine.
And so it is with leaders. The ability to coach is an essential skill for successful leaders. As a leader, it’s not about you. It’s about those whom you lead. It’s about helping them to be the best they can be; to be better than, greater than what they ever thought for themselves. It’s about seeing something in them and urging them beyond their limits to their magnificent best. And when they succeed, it’s about sitting quietly, in the background, whilst they get the accolades. It’s about creating Bolts in your organization, without fanfare, allowing their performance to speak for itself.
Today, what can you do to help a team member be the very best they can possibly be? How can you step out of their light and allow them to shine? When your team members are great, that’s when you are great. The world will know your greatness as a leader by their accomplishments.
And stay tuned – in my next blog, I will share some key lessons for leaders that I have gleaned from Coach Mills
FOR SIMILAR POSTS BY MARGUERITE:
Usain Bolt – That’s Just Me – click HERE to view article
Hold Your Form – click HERE to view article
Lessons From World Class Athletes – click HERE to view article
Very well written
Thank you Audrey
What a beautiful picture and a wonderful message portrayed.
Glen is for sure a great sprint coach, maybe the GOAT. He is a humble man with a lot of confidence in what he does. He does not receive all the accolades his charges receive but he works harder than they do, worry more, carry more headaches and is always thinking of them.
Great article….wonderful message.
Thanks Marguerite. ????
Dear Glen
I have observed him over the years through articles, interviews with him and the comments of his coachees, Bolt in particular. It was the thrill of my life to meet him. And you are so right that he demonstrates that the coach works very hard, sometimes even harder than our coachees. I certainly worry more (yes I do), and think about them all the time.
Gratefully and joyously
Marguerite
What an inspiring story, and a reminder to all of us of what can be achieved by leaders quietly supporting their staff and letting them shine brightly in the spotlight themselves.
Before becoming an entrepreneur myself with my own business, I used to work for a large company, and I have certainly experienced bosses who always claimed the spotlight and glory for themselves.
This story of Glenn Mills shows the greatness that can be achieved by letting others soar.
Dear Steve
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and insight. I know that you are a “Glen Mills” leader, as I have met your shining, soaring team members.
Gratefully and joyously
Marguerite
A sobering message for all leaders (and followers!) who think that leadership is only about being in front and shining. It is not the paradigm that we have in the Caribbean at the moment, but I am hopeful that this wonderful message permeates our leadership culture over time. Thanks as always Marguerite for your thought provoking gems!
Thank you Luz. Yes, it’s a message that we need to spread widely. It’s the only way to lead with ease, grace and joy. Get out of the way. And you are one of the shining lights who do exactly that.
Gratefully and joyously
Marguerite
Seconding Glenmore Brown’s sentiments. Wonderful message, Marguerite.
As leaders we assume the role of coach, and at the same time are undertaking our own “events”. So we are balancing different roles and must be careful, as coaches, to allow our charges to shine.
Dear Julie
Thanks for this insight. If we just repeat “It’s not about me” until we embody it, our own “events” as you so aptly put it, will fade. Our “charges” will shine and those events will diminish, because usually, the events are fabricated by our egos.
Gratefully and joyously
Marguerite
Awesome Marguerite! I was deeply moved (yes to tears) as I pictured the scene you so vividly described, and mulled on what the experience of observing Glen Mills sitting there must have been like for you. Having just completed a two-day “Coaching for Performance” workshop, I would love to share this blog with the participants. It perfectly articulates the deeper role of the coach as one of spiritual guide, enabling the coachee to rise and thrive, flourish; and be their brightest and best.
Dear Sandra
Thanks for your insights. Oh yes, there is truly a spiritual aspect to coaching that we must not fear, nor hide. It is what makes our coachees bloom! Please share my blog with whomever you think it will help. Whenever I publish a blog, I always whisper “May it help millions”
Gratefully and joyously
Marguerite
Marguerite, thank you for sharing. A while back I decided that my purpose as a leader is to get out of the way so that other might achieve their potential. This resonates.
Dear Eudine
You are so right. And when we get out of the way, it’s amazing how people shine! As you well know from all those shining lights you lead.
Gratefully and joyously
Marguerite
Marguerite
Well said Marguerite.
Thank you Pierre.
Gratefully and joyously
Marguerite
What a wonderful coaching insight. It is our responsibility to lay the platform for people to shine. The successes of others are our true reward. This photo says so many things. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your insight Judi. You are so right. Great coaches say “no” to their egos – it’s all about the coachee. Like you and Nick practice so well
Gratefully and joyously
Marguerite
Thank you so very much for writing this me lady Ms. Marguerite, beautiful!!!!!!!!
And thank you for taking the time to appreciate this piece Janice.
Gratefully and joyously
Marguerite
Brilliant. What a great message for all leaders and what a lovely story; thank you for sharing it!
Thank you Nick. I always say there’s a message in every experience. Was happy to share this one.
Gratefully and joyously
Marguerite
I head a team that had prepared for 12 months to take a 2 day ‘exam’ being administered by an overseas authority. Three days before the ‘exam’ I fell ill but was miraculously revived by the 3rd day. From the 2nd day of the illness it occured to me that I should use this ‘opportunity’ to allow the team to perform without me. They were all well prepared, hard working and intelegent. They did very well (Shone) without me. Getting out of the way was the right thing for me to do. Thanks Marguerite for your thoughtful piece. It resonates.
Dear Norman
Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry it took illness to learn the lesson! But that’s how it goes sometimes – we have to be SHOVED out of the way. I can relate as I have had to be shoved many a time. Lovely lesson learned – and our lives are so much easier and joyous!
Gratefully and joyously
Marguerite