Leaders Seek Coaches, Not Critics or Cheerleaders

Leaders pay no attention to critics and show no interest in cheerleaders. They treat those two impostors just the same.

They insist instead on finding a dedicated but demanding coach.

Dr Adam Grant, Professor of Organisational Psychology puts it well: “A critic sees your weaknesses and attacks your worst self. A cheerleader sees your strengths and celebrates your best self. A coach sees your potential and helps you become a better version of yourself.”

“Don’t worry, I will coach you through it” is one of the most powerful sentences you can say or hear as a leader.

Don’t be a critic or a cheerleader, be a coach.

Stop looking for a critic or a cheerleader, find a coach.