I've Got Your Back!

“I knew wherever I was that you thought of me, and if I got in a tight place you would come if alive." -Sherman, in a letter to Grant.”

In September, I had the privilege of supporting a coaching training at the Region 4 Education Service Center in Houston, TX, alongside Results Coaching Global. This was my first major step toward becoming a fully certified trainer with Results Coaching Global, and I was genuinely excited to work with the outstanding leaders at Region 4. Walking into the building, I noticed their slogan, "We Got You!"—simple, yet powerful. It’s a phrase that sounds easy to say, but requires a lot of follow-through to uphold. During the four-day training, I witnessed firsthand how deeply these leaders live by that motto. I heard countless stories of how they support the surrounding school districts and accept help from their own executive leaders. The culture of service and support at Region 4 was palpable, and I enjoyed every minute of being part of it. Their dedication made me reflect not only on my work as a coach but also on my roles as a friend, husband, and father. I found myself asking, "What am I doing to show the people in my life that I’m there for them when they need it?"

Leadership, like life, thrives on meaningful relationships. Recently, I had a conversation with a client about the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who would show up for us in a moment’s notice if something went wrong. We asked ourselves, "Why wouldn’t we do this?" Moments when we reach out to serve or support others, and when others do the same for us, are defining. They allow us to build trust and accept help when it’s needed. We know that life will throw us challenges, and having someone by our side—just as we aim to be for others—can elevate us in any endeavor.

In my work as a coach, I serve as a thought partner to talented, capable leaders who are more than able to lead their schools and organizations. What makes this partnership effective is mutual trust and respect, knowing that no one is above another and that solutions are already within the leader. When I’ve done my job well, our conversations prompt leaders to explore different perspectives as they make key decisions. This growth requires a mindset open to change and a willingness to sit with uncomfortable thoughts. I often ask clients if they’re willing to remain in that discomfort to push through, and they usually are.

Other times, my role is simply to listen. Leaders in education often lack a trusted partner to openly share their challenges. I aim to be a non-judgmental space where they can “vent” and then shift to meaningful action steps. When clients apologize for needing to talk, I reassure them, saying, “This is exactly why I’m here.” Being adaptable as a coach allows me to respond to each leader’s needs. Regularly, I emphasize my availability outside our scheduled sessions if they ever need support. It’s a privilege to be someone they reach out to in those moments.

As a parent and husband, I also try to live by “I got you,” especially as I get older. For my kids, it means doing things like driving them 30 minutes to a friend’s house so they can build relationships, or even making the career switch from a 12-hour-a-day principal to a coach and consultant to focus more on their development. As a husband, working from home means I often take on household chores, maintenance, and other tasks, helping my wife concentrate on her career and our kids when she’s home. Yes, it can be tiring, but the thought of “I got you” keeps me going. I may not always say it, but I aim to show it through my actions—even if I don’t always get it right.

As you continue to lead at work, home, or in whatever roles you play, consider how you show others, “I got you.” Going deeper as a friend, family member, or colleague means showing genuine care in both actions and words. It requires self-reflection and a commitment to our values, even when we’re tired or stretched thin. But when we do this consistently, it sets us apart. I hope my family, friends, and clients feel my commitment to being there for them—no matter the circumstances.