This blog entry is part of a seven-part  series on some of the central principles of coaching… from the perspective of the one receiving the coaching. How can we get the most out of our coaching relationship?

Principle #2: character counts

Much more so than what skills you have, what spiritual gifts you have, what matters in spiritual development is your character.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

What’s necessary on this inside? What kinds of character qualities are necessary? Here are a few that come to mind:

  • openness to processing with your coach
  • humility
  • honesty
  • transparency
  • effort and willingness to work hard