What does Integrity in coaching look like?

Integrity is something we hear a lot about when it comes to coaching and our relationships with coworkers, athletes, and business partners.  What exactly does that mean or look like? 

When you establish yourself as a coach, it’s critical that you identify what it is you want to accomplish as a coach.  Once you have a defining statement you can use that as the iron ore that directs your moral compass to its true north.  While navigating through the occasionally complicated terrain of coaching and business, it will assist you in maintaining that integrity. 

WHY is that important?  It not only provides those around you with the best environment within which to work or train but it will actually help you with your business and personal satisfaction.  Here is real world example from my own experience:

Athlete X inquires about coaching services.  I am confident with my coaching goals / abilities and focus on an “athlete-centric” method for selecting clients.  I want the best for the athletes that approach me whether they decide to work with me or not.  During the conversation with Athlete X, I can assess if they would benefit the most from my personal services or from someone else’s.  I know I have limited time and resources and I want what I offer to be the best value for them.  If I know they may be taking my time away from serving those that fit the profile of the athletes I want to train, I refer them to someone else.  I still follow up with them and leave my door open for advice or other referrals but I don’t take people on for the sake of building up a clientele base with the intent to “just make money.”   That’s not good for them and in the long run, that’s not good for me either. To ME, that is not operating with the level of integrity I expect from myself.  

When I am mentoring my assistant coaches, I ask that they do the same.  What is it that you want to accomplish out of coaching?  Who is your target group? What’s your “why”? Know that and stick with it. 

During those times that I am wanting to build up my business, I may not close out leads but more will follow and I will be happier than being impatient and losing my integrity.  I have been very blessed and fortunate in my professional life outside of triathlon and am realizing the same fortune in my triathlon business.

Athletes, coaches, and most people you come into contact with on a regular basis will be drawn to that strength in character.  That is an invaluable quality and if you don’t have that, you’ll have little luck putting a high price on anything you do.