Manager as Coach Tips

How do you get your team delivering big results? Why not try a coaching style; it works far better then a command and control approach. But how do you do it? Here are six top tips to being the perfect manager as coach:

Tip 1 Don’t give people solutions to their problems

If your team comes to you with their challenges, don’t tell them the answer. Coach them by asking questions that will help them evaluate their situation and lead them to working out their own solution. At first this can seem time consuming, but soon you will notice people relying on you less.

Tip 2 Coach using open questions

These are ones that start with who, what, where, when, how or why. They can’t be answered by a yes or a no. They open people up and get them thinking.

Tip 3 Use silence

Beware of jumping into every pause, it could mean they’re thinking things through. Even if it seems uncomfortable, wait and see what happens.

Tip 4 “GROW” your coaching session!

Use the GROW technique to structure coaching conversations. G stand for Goals – firstly work out what they’re trying to achieve. R stands for Reality – ask questions to find out what their current situation is. O stand for Options – get the person to think through several ways to solve their challenge. Lastly W stands for Wrap-up – get commitment that they’ll do one of the options.

Tip 5 Let people make mistakes

Within reasonable parameters, if you see your team making mistakes, don’t stop them. Let them learn from their actions

Tip 6 Give praise

When you spot people doing good stuff tell them! Make it genuine though, insincerity is easy to spot. Being appreciated is very motivating.

© 2008 David Hinde