The Left Paddle Position

Sometimes when I'm guiding a raft, I take what's called the "left paddle" position, in order to train a new guide. It's like taking the co-pilot position and transferring the controls to the pilot-in-training. In this position, I observe the guide trainee, encourage occasionaly, but keep my mouth shut when s/he makes a mistake. I will not make a correction or offer advice until the trainee specifically asks for help.

That's my job as a coach. Wise people don't go throwing out advice. They wait for others to recognize their need for help, advice, counsel, direction. A wise coach waits until someone is willing, humble, or desperate enough to seek wisdom.

When someone is truly ready for wisdom, only then can wisdom make a positive impact in a person's life.

In other words: If you recognize your need for life direction, ask someone wise for help; and if you have wise counsel to offer, shut up and don't offer it until someone asks.

Pete Morrill

True North Calling Coach

True North Quests, TNAdventures.org