Last week during our Coach and Be Coached Event on Remarkable TV, we had over a dozen leadership and coaching experts talking about the skills of coaching and the importance of being coached. As I reflected on the lessons I heard from these experts three things came back to me time and time again.
As you read these three concepts, translate them to yourself. Ask yourself, “How well do I do at this?” And if you aren’t happy with your answer, you have a good sense of your next leadership learning activity.
Consistency. Coaching isn’t something that is done successfully once a year (at the annual review) or even quarterly (because your review process suggests it). For coaching to assist others most in creating higher results, it must be consistent and on going.
Relationship matters. The relationship between you and those you coach makes a difference. Think about it this way. Are you more willing to listen and more open to feedback, coaching and wise counsel from some know well, or someone with whom you don’t have a relationship? (I thought so). I am not suggesting you must be best friends with those you are coaching, but a relationship will improve the results from coaching immensely.
Ask more than tell. Sometimes coaching is about advice. But coaching is always about helping the other person improve their performance. And the choice and action that improves performance belongs to the person being coached. Which means that as a coach when we can ask more and better questions, we can help the other person discover and decide what they need to do to improve. Want to be a better coach? Ask better questions!
These are just just three of the lessons our experts shared last week.
Which of these lessons will help you be a better coach this week?
Kevin – This is solid advice. Coaching is so poorly done by so many that some quick tips like these are just what the doctor ordered! (so to speak)
Not sure why I recognize your name, but it is oddly familiar. I just can’t make the mental connection.
Anyway, thanks!
Michael