They Will want them to listen
Yes they are skeletons and yes they are smiling. Thank you chatGPT
Let’s talk about the difference between personal and positional authority
Positional Authority
This is the authority you already have—simply because of your role. You're the coach. People have signed up, paid, and shown up expecting you to lead them and guide their progress.
That’s positional authority:
You’re in charge because of your title.
People are supposed to listen.
There’s a built-in expectation of leadership.
And while that’s a good starting point, it’s not enough on its own.
Personal Authority
Personal authority is the real magic. It’s the kind of influence that doesn’t depend on your title—it’s about who you are and how you show up.
It answers the question:
“Would they still want to follow me, even if they didn’t have to?”
When someone trusts you, believes in you, and feels connected to you—not just because you're the coach, but because you're you—that’s personal authority. It’s a clear separator of good coaches from truly great ones.
Why This Matters
When you build personal authority:
Communication becomes easier.
Cues land better.
That many more members become lifers.
The experience feels more human, more connected, and more impactful.
You're no longer just leading because it’s your job—you’re leading because they want you to.
So, How Do You Build It?
Show up consistently and authentically.
Listen as much as you speak. (this requires you to ask questions in the setting of coaching)
Be humble enough to admit when you’re learning too.
Keep learning—not just about movement, but about people.
We all start with positional authority. That’s the easy part. The real work—the rewarding work—is building personal authority on top of that foundation.
So whether you're leveling up your technical knowledge or working on deeper connections with your members, keep both sides of the coaching coin in mind. And remember:
Don’t just be the coach they have to follow—be the coach they want to follow.
Stay Virtuous
– Pat
