4 Marks of a Remarkable Coach

Coaching is about intentionality, not titles. Mr. McDonnell taught me that.

Growing up in Southern California, Mr. McDonnell was one of my teachers, my youth pastor, a family friend, and a mentor. His gentle but persistent presence in my life gained him access to my life, and as a result, I invited his voice and guidance into my life—he earned my trust and became one of my most trusted mentors and coaches. He taught me life lessons that went far beyond the classroom, the church walls, or the basketball court. He often said things like, “Mark, I believe in you more than you believe in yourself.” That kind of belief and confidence in me helped forge the way I approach life to this day. I’ll always be grateful for his investment and unwavering belief in me. Mr. McDonnell tragically passed away 17 years ago, and I am still trying to live like him and lead like him.

Now, decades later, coaching has become a corporate buzzword. With over 50,000 executive coaches in the U.S. and over 40% of Fortune 500 companies using them, it’s easily a billion-dollar industry. Top coaches can earn thousands of dollars per hour, and that’s because people are hungry for guidance and strategy.

Whether it’s team coaching, business coaching, life coaching, counseling, or mentoring, coaching happens in all kinds of places—from boardrooms to backyards, meetings to minivans, in person, on a Zoom call, or even over email.

You might even be doing it already. If you’re influencing someone through a relationship, you’re coaching.

So, how do you do it well?

After coaching for several decades, I’ve learned that great coaches consistently provide four key things: outside perspective, energizing hope, useful strategy, and measured accountability. This applies whether the coaching is formal or informal, paid or unpaid.

Outside Perspective

We all have limited views of our lives and can easily get stuck in our own patterns. That’s where an outside perspective comes in—a coach who can see the big picture without the personal biases that might cloud our judgment. They help us think differently and expand our horizons.

Sure, friends and family are valuable sounding boards, but sometimes, we need someone with a fresh set of eyes to offer a new angle or solution.

Energizing Hope

Life can be tough—stressful, unfair, and often unforgiving. Even the most successful people aren’t immune to life’s pressures. We all run out of optimism sometimes, and that’s when we need someone to step in and say, “I believe in you more than you believe in yourself. I know you can do this.”

Hope is energizing, and a great coach knows how to refill your tank when life has drained it.

Useful Strategy

Advice is only useful if it actually works in your world. A great coach helps cut through the noise and offers a strategy that fits your specific situation. They don’t just give you a one-size-fits-all answer—they tailor their advice to your needs.

Whether it’s personal or professional, the best strategy is one that you can put into action right where you are.

Measured Accountability

Vision and motivation are essential, but so is accountability. A good coach isn’t afraid to ask tough questions, the kind that keeps you on track. But timing is everything. The right question, asked at the right time, can make all the difference.

Conclusion

Coaching happens everywhere, in all kinds of situations. If you find yourself in a role of influence—whether as a manager, parent, mentor, or friend—bring intentionality to the relationship. Offer outside perspective, hope, strategy, and accountability, and you’ll be playing the role of a coach, title or not.

Dig deep…keep going.