Coaching mistakes: Avoid these traps

Good coaching is an intensive process that calls for commitment and concentrated effort. It’s also fraught with a certain amount of danger because of mistaken assumptions about what coaching really is. To motivate and retain your best people, stay out of these common coaching traps:

·    “If I can do this, you can.” Skills can be taught, to a certain extent, but everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses. Coaching is about bringing those strengths to the forefront, not trying to create clones of “perfect” performers. Focus on maximizing what employees do well.

·    “I have the perfect coaching question.” Coaching isn’t a one-size–fits-all strategy. Questions are part of the process, but remember that you’re working in partnership with the employee. Ask lots of questions, and keep them focused on how to improve performance. Don’t obsess over finding the “right” thing to say during coaching sessions.

·    “That’s the wrong answer.” Part of asking questions in coaching is to explore possibilities and options—not to immediately find the single correct answer. Coaching sessions should be designed around helping employees take responsibility for setting goals and getting results, not telling them what to do.

·    “I can wing it during coaching sessions.” Coaching calls for open-ended discussion between you and the employee, but that doesn’t mean you should make it up as you go along. Every meeting should include some discussion of progress since your last session, and suggestions for areas to work on—both of which require you to invest some time in preparation before the discussion.

·    “I’m the boss.” Yes, you’re the supervisor and you set the direction, but employees need to trust that you’ve got their best interests at heart. Get to know each employee you coach, and tailor your approach to his or her personality as much as to your organization’s objectives.

See the Leader's Digest G.R.O.W. post for a proven coaching model that will help you develop your people.

Click here: http://smartdevelopmentinc.blogspot.com/2011/06/g-r-o-w-your-people-and-theyll-grow.html

All the success!

PM in the AM