Fr. Mel Trinidad, who spearheaded the formation, emphasized the transformative power of coaching, a concept also known as accompaniment within the Salesian tradition. By fostering a coaching mindset, leaders can guide their teams with a greater focus on personal growth, clear objectives, and collaborative efforts, all while remaining aligned with the core mission of the Salesians.
The influence of professional coaching in Fr. Mel's leadership journey cannot be understated, thanks mainly to the mentorship and guidance he received from Julie LaNasa of Collaborative Consulting. Julie LaNasa, a seasoned coach and consultant, played a pivotal role in shaping Fr. Mel's approach to leadership, introducing him to the value of coaching and its potential to enhance personal and team development. Her philosophy of fostering authentic leadership through partnership and trust has been integral to Fr. Mel's coaching efforts. LaNasa's work with Collaborative Consulting focuses on empowering leaders to develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative mindset—principles that have deeply informed Fr. Mel's approach to leadership within the province.
One of the highlights of the training session was a live coaching demonstration in which Fr. Mel coached the Mission Delegate in front of all the participants. This real-time example provided a practical view of how coaching can help identify and achieve concrete objectives, particularly those outlined in job descriptions. The demonstration underscored the importance of focusing on individual development while aligning with broader goals.
Following this, participants were divided into small groups to practice coaching within their respective roles. Leaders were challenged to think about the people they coach in their ministries, whether they work with youth, educators, or parish communities. These exercises allowed participants to reflect on the specific needs of those they lead and consider how coaching can inspire, support, and empower their teams.
Fr. Mel reinforced that effective coaching is not just about guiding others—it's about working together with clear objectives to achieve the Provincial Organic Plan. This plan lays the foundation for the province's growth, ensuring all leaders work harmoniously to further the Salesian mission.
As the province moves forward, the skills and insights gained from this training will play a crucial role in strengthening leadership and helping teams across the province achieve their goals in a spirit of unity and shared purpose. Through this coaching initiative, and with the continued support of experts like Julie LaNasa, the leaders of the San Francisco Province are better equipped to accompany their communities with compassion and clarity, staying true to the values of Don Bosco's legacy while advancing the mission of the Salesians in modern times.
by Juan Carlos Montenegro, PhD.
