Are You An Effective Coach?

Are You an Effective Coach?*

An effective coach sees him/herself not as the expert but as a resource; combining their experience with their knowledge and information to help people do their jobs better and be more successful

Effective coaches:

Look for opportunities to coach

Coaching is not an event it is a process. You can incorporate coaching into your current interactions. You do not have to always make more time to coach. Use the time you interact now as coaching opportunities. Instead of just having a conversation, have a coaching session.
Seek first to understand than to be understood.

Turn interactions into coaching opportunities. Respond with questions to clarify the concern and help them solve the problem themselves

Ask Questions:

ØWhy do you think we need…? Example -Why do you think we need more people?

ØIn what way aren’t you…? Example - In what way aren’t you getting the support you need?

ØWhat do you need to…? Example - What do you need to be successful?

ØWhat roadblock is stopping you from …? Example - What roadblock is stopping you from getting that task done?

Feedback/Follow Up.

Give feedback on a regular basis, daily and even hourly, if necessary. Use feedback as an opportunity to coach. Help them understand what they are doing well and uncover what specifically they can do to improve performance.

* © Patrick J. Donadio, MBA, CSP, MCC is a Certified Speaking Professional and Master Certified Coach specializing Leadership and Business Communications. Call or e-mail Patrick for permission to use this article. Call toll free: 1-877-DONADIO or e-mail Patrick@PatrickDonadio.com