In coaching, as in so many other important parts of life, context matters. The best response must fit with the current situation. Winston Churchill said, “In War: Resolution. In Defeat: Defiance. In Victory: Magnanimity. In Peace: Goodwill.” The best response depends on the context. It reminds me of Ecclessiastes 3:1-9:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Sometimes in our coaching conversations we need to challenge; sometimes we need to encourage. Sometimes in our congregations we need to wait and process; sometimes we need to push and move forward.
What time is it for you?