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The Power of the Right Coach
By Denis Waitley
© 2007 Nightingale-Conant Corporation
The right mentor or coach will give you the strength you need to succeed and the honest feedback you
need to navigate your setbacks and stay on target.
Throughout history, most of the great achievements and incredible comebacks have been the result of an
individual whose motivation to persevere was influenced by a coach or mentor. In science, art, politics,
sports, and business, there is a common thread of having been coached among those who achieve
greatness. A coach doesn't need to be a professional consultant or counselor. He or she could be someone
within your organization or industry, or it could be someone from your personal life whom you respect or
admire.
A study was undertaken on the Hawaiian island of Kauai by two researchers named Emily Werner and Ruth
Smith. This study, which followed more than 450 people from childhood through their adult lives, was an
attempt to learn why some people are motivated to overcome severe disadvantages, while others from the
same background seem to have been overwhelmed by their problems. This research continued for an
incredible length of time: 40 years, to be exact.
According to the research, one of the most interesting qualities of these motivated individuals is their ability
to recognize potential sources of support in other people, to look beyond the walls of their homes to find
relatives, friends, teachers, or other role models who can provide help. This very important finding
illustrates the benefits of forming mentor relationships to encourage achievement.
Choosing a coach or mentor is like having an additional correctional device to keep you on target. An
analogy of this premise comes from aerospace technology. Years ago, the military used inertial guidance
systems on missiles. Unfortunately, once the course of an inertially guided missile is set, it proceeds along
that path with no capability for adjustments. It's like a bullet fired from a rifle. Even when the aim is good
at the outset, if the target moves unexpectedly once the projectile is in flight, the shot is going to miss. And
if there's one thing you can count on in life, it's that the target is going to be moving! In the Gulf War of
1992, the Patriot missile that defended Israel and Saudi Arabia was introduced. Unlike previous defenses,
this system had an advanced self-adjusting navigation system that continuously monitored the missile's
trajectory as well as the path of its swiftly moving target. The Patriot was able to make whatever
corrections were necessary, regardless of changes in the position or speed of its objective.
A highly motivated person uses a coach or mentor in the same way when he or she has targeted a
worthwhile goal. A coach or mentor can assist you in making adjustments and navigating through difficult
times.
Selecting the Right Mentor
Finding coaches and mentors is an important mission, and you will no doubt have several over the course
of your life. It is critical that you choose them wisely. Your mentor is someone to whom you'll be
committing a great deal of time and attention, and who ideally will take a very focused interest in you as
well.
The process of selecting a mentor begins, first of all, with a clear-sighted view of what your life's goals
are, both for your career and your personal life.
Continued on page 2 of 3
By Denis Waitley
© 2007 Nightingale-Conant Corporation
The right mentor or coach will give you the strength you need to succeed and the honest feedback you
need to navigate your setbacks and stay on target.
Throughout history, most of the great achievements and incredible comebacks have been the result of an
individual whose motivation to persevere was influenced by a coach or mentor. In science, art, politics,
sports, and business, there is a common thread of having been coached among those who achieve
greatness. A coach doesn't need to be a professional consultant or counselor. He or she could be someone
within your organization or industry, or it could be someone from your personal life whom you respect or
admire.
A study was undertaken on the Hawaiian island of Kauai by two researchers named Emily Werner and Ruth
Smith. This study, which followed more than 450 people from childhood through their adult lives, was an
attempt to learn why some people are motivated to overcome severe disadvantages, while others from the
same background seem to have been overwhelmed by their problems. This research continued for an
incredible length of time: 40 years, to be exact.
According to the research, one of the most interesting qualities of these motivated individuals is their ability
to recognize potential sources of support in other people, to look beyond the walls of their homes to find
relatives, friends, teachers, or other role models who can provide help. This very important finding
illustrates the benefits of forming mentor relationships to encourage achievement.
Choosing a coach or mentor is like having an additional correctional device to keep you on target. An
analogy of this premise comes from aerospace technology. Years ago, the military used inertial guidance
systems on missiles. Unfortunately, once the course of an inertially guided missile is set, it proceeds along
that path with no capability for adjustments. It's like a bullet fired from a rifle. Even when the aim is good
at the outset, if the target moves unexpectedly once the projectile is in flight, the shot is going to miss. And
if there's one thing you can count on in life, it's that the target is going to be moving! In the Gulf War of
1992, the Patriot missile that defended Israel and Saudi Arabia was introduced. Unlike previous defenses,
this system had an advanced self-adjusting navigation system that continuously monitored the missile's
trajectory as well as the path of its swiftly moving target. The Patriot was able to make whatever
corrections were necessary, regardless of changes in the position or speed of its objective.
A highly motivated person uses a coach or mentor in the same way when he or she has targeted a
worthwhile goal. A coach or mentor can assist you in making adjustments and navigating through difficult
times.
Selecting the Right Mentor
Finding coaches and mentors is an important mission, and you will no doubt have several over the course
of your life. It is critical that you choose them wisely. Your mentor is someone to whom you'll be
committing a great deal of time and attention, and who ideally will take a very focused interest in you as
well.
The process of selecting a mentor begins, first of all, with a clear-sighted view of what your life's goals
are, both for your career and your personal life.
Continued on page 2 of 3
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