Coaches are busy people with many demands thrust upon them. They also have their own motivations and challenges. Sometimes, this causes them to forget the most important rule of coaching: begin with a serving heart.

Compassion is irreplaceable. A true gift might be elaborate or as simple as an unsolicited smile, thank you, or compliment. Instead of getting angry at misbehavior, get curious. At worst, dislike the behavior, not the person. Compassion, even simple examples like these, require our most valuable resources: time and effort (but not money). This is no excuse for withholding compassion. Give. Most people are nice, and the world is wonderful in part because of this, but being compassionate is a step beyond being nice.

Everyone has a story, even if they are not in a hospital:

Habits do not change easily, so I hope you'll join me in having a goal of 5 more smiles, thank yous, or compliments today than you would have given without such a goal. Keep in mind that goals have no value if they are not monitored and adjusted, so perhaps an accountability evaluation of the day's performance while brushing teeth is an easy-to-remember time to look in the mirror, reflecting on the day's compassion goal. And remember to adjust: making the goal for tomorrow higher or lower to maintain that perfect balance of attractive and realistic (the A. and R. of SMART goals).

Here is one simple, personal story/example. I was jogging through a quiet neighborhood (not my own), when I saw an elderly man stooped ahead working his garden. I observed that his entire yard was immaculate and though he did not look up as I approached, I clearly said, "Beautiful yard" as I passed. Then he stood up and his face beamed as he said, "Thank you." It was such a simple thing to notice excellence myself, then share what I noticed. I believe it made a difference.

If you have a story of compassion, please share it in the comments below.